Most of us still think that the only solution to tooth decay or broken tooth causing pain is extracting the tooth. But thanks to digital dentistry, a root canal allows keeping your tooth and also puts an end to acute gum pain.
With the recent advancements in technology, we can now opt for the intelligent dental treatment known as endoscopic root canal, which can reduce the risk of complications and enhance treatment performance.
Let’s understand all about endoscopic root canal treatment and the technology used in it.
Table of Contents
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is used to repair a critically infected or damaged tooth by removing the damaged nerve and cleaning the infected tissue or pulp around the wound. The treatment involves sealing the root canal and hence preserving the natural tooth.
When should one treat the root canal?
Here are some important signs of root canal infection that should not be missed:
· Accident or serious trauma to a tooth
· A decayed, chipped, broken, or infected tooth that has caused damage to the pulp
· Extreme toothache, especially at night
· Change in the color of the tooth
· Swelling in gums or face
If you notice one or more root canal symptoms, you may need to consult your dentist about root canal treatment.
Root Canal Technology
The technology used in endoscopic root canal treatment provides information that X-rays cannot provide. Let’s read more about it in detail.
3D CBCT Imaging
3D CBCT, or Three-dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography imaging, is a useful tool in endodontics (root canal treatment). It provides a more detailed and accurate view of the tooth’s internal structures, allowing endodontists to plan and execute treatment with greater precision and accuracy.
Benefits:
· Demonstration of features in 3D, which enables data magnification and image annotation
· 3D CBCT imaging can help identify the root canal’s exact location, shape, and size, which improves the diagnosis
· Planning and execution of root canal treatment with greater precision and accuracy, which reduces the risk of root canal treatment side effects
· Assessment of bone quality, which is necessary to evaluate whether there is sufficient bone to hold the implant
Dental Operating Microscope and Micro-Endodontics
Dental Operating Microscope (DOM) is an advanced technology that provides dentists with a high level of magnification and illumination for root canal treatment. The procedure is performed at a microscopic level, which helps better target the infected root canal.
Benefits:
· Enhanced visualization to identify even the smallest details required for a successful endoscopic surgery
· More precise and efficient treatment to promote higher success rates
· Detect and treat issues that may have been missed with traditional methods
· Tremendously helpful in assessing failed root canal treatment
Digital Dental Radiography
Digital dental radiography can work wonders in monitoring dental health and treating dental diseases. Digital radiographs’ exposure time is approximately 75% less than traditional radiographs. The reduced radiation exposure to patients is what makes this root canal treatment popular, in addition to its wonderful benefits in root canal treatment.
Benefits:
· Reduced radiation exposure to patients compared to traditional film-based radiography
· High-resolution images that can be enlarged, enhanced, and manipulated to improve dentists’ diagnostic accuracy
· Easy digital sharing of radiographs between dental professionals, allowing for faster and more efficient communication and collaboration
· Instant, ready-to-review images to make consultations shorter and more informative for patients
· Higher quality care where patients are more involved in their treatment and can understand the diagnosis and treatment with visuals
Conclusion
Endoscopic root canal treatment results from brilliant strides in the dental industry. It not only makes treatment more effective but is also said to be more comfortable for patients.
If you’re considering root canal treatment, consult your dental care provider and find out how you can go about the treatment based on your challenges.
I hope this was helpful!
Author Bio:
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental clinic in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental communities with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.
