Typically, the central incisors, the lateral incisors, and the canines, both of the maxilla and the mandible, usually have a single root. The first and second premolars but only of the mandible also typically have a single root.
Each of the roots of a tooth will have at least one root canal, although some often have more.
When is a single root canal treatment necessary?
Endodontics is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the tooth’s soft center, the pulp.
This treatment is done when the pulp is injured, inflamed, or infected.
- The most common causes of pulp damage include:
- Deep decay due to untreated tooth decay
- Performing multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
- A fracture or crack in the tooth
- An injury to the tooth from trauma.
Symptoms of damaged pulp
Whn the pulp is damaged, the most common symptoms are pain, swelling, and warmth in the gums.
Single root endodontic treatment
The treatment consists of extracting the inflamed or infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and disinfecting it carefully to fill and seal the canal and thus prevent the re-entry of new bacteria.
Treatment steps
- The first step of endodontic treatment begins with a detailed understanding of the morphology of the tooth. The teeth vary according to the type of tooth they are and according to their location in the jaws.
- Before starting the actual treatment, the dentist will place a slight local anesthetic on the gum near the affected tooth. Once it has taken effect, a small opening will be made on the top of the tooth.
- When infected or damaged pulp is exposed, it will be carefully removed using special tools called files.
- Subsequently, the canal is cleaned and disinfected, and finally, the tooth will be filled and sealed with a sealing cement and a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. If there are several channels, each of them must be carefully cleaned.
- Finally, the procedure will be completed by filling the opening of the tooth with a temporary material. This sealant will prevent saliva from seeping into the canal until the tooth is permanently restored.
It is possible that once the treatment is finished and once the effect of the anesthesia wears off, you will experience pain in both the tooth and the gum. These symptoms can be treated with pain relievers as prescribed by the dentist. If the pain is more or lasts longer than a few days, it is essential to contact the dentist who performed the treatment.