Root Canal Treatment

Risk Factors for Tooth Infection

The likelihood of developing pulpitis and periodontitis increases in the following situations.

Dentistry-related factors:

• Deep caries, especially with slow progression;
• Secondary caries around fillings and under crowns;
• Poorly performed dental restorations;
• Periodontitis with the formation of deep pockets;
• Frequent whitening or other aggressive procedures.

General health factors:

• Diabetes — worsens regeneration processes;
• Osteoporosis — reduces jawbone density;
• Immunodeficiency states;
• Hormonal disorders.

External factors:

• Bruxism — due to teeth grinding caused by involuntary spasms of chewing muscles, cracks appear on the enamel;
• Consumption of hard, tough food — crackers, candies, smoked meats;
• Smoking — impairs blood supply to tissues;
• Frequent exposure to vibration and chemicals during work.

It is recommended to undergo preventive check-ups twice a year. They help identify problems at early stages when they are easier and quicker to resolve.

Signs and Symptoms Indicating the Need for Endodontic Treatment

Pulp inflammation does not always manifest immediately, but there are symptoms that warrant a visit to the doctor:

• sharp pulsating pain — especially at night or when pressure is applied to the tooth;
• reaction to cold and hot — pain does not subside immediately after the irritant is removed;
• change in tooth color — darkening due to nerve death;
• swelling of the gums or cheek — a characteristic sign of spreading infection;
• unpleasant odor from the mouth — may indicate a purulent process;
• tooth mobility — occurs in advanced cases due to bone tissue destruction.

Sometimes the tooth does not hurt, but inflammation is visible on the X-ray at the root. Therefore, even in the absence of pronounced symptoms, it is important to undergo preventive examinations.

Diagnosis

The dentist has the following methods at their disposal to diagnose and identify the cause of the problem:

• clinical examination — the doctor visually assesses the condition of the tooth, checks the reaction to cold/hot, and performs percussion to identify inflammation;
• X-ray — targeted images show the depth of the carious cavity, the number and shape of the root canals, and the presence of inflammation at the root tip;
• electroodontometry — the device determines the viability of the pulp based on its reaction to a weak electric current;
• transillumination — shining a bright light through the tooth helps to detect hidden cracks.

For complex cases, computed tomography is used, which provides a highly accurate three-dimensional image of the root system.