Preparatory actions: The tooth surface is smoothed and cleaned to remove plaque and tartar and reduce bacterial colonization.Root canal treatment: The inflamed tooth pulp is removed, the root canal is expanded and cleaned and then a root filling is placed to protect the tooth from bacteria.Root tip resection: In severe cases or chronic inflammation, surgery may be necessary to remove the root tip and expand and fill the root canal.Medical therapy: In some cases, taking antibiotics may be necessary to prevent or treat infections.Aftercare: After treatment, certain precautionary measures must be taken, such as good oral hygiene, avoiding certain foods and drinks and avoiding physical exertion.Complications: As with any surgical procedure, complications such as impaired wound healing, infections or injuries to neighboring structures or the periodontium can occur.Forecast: In severe cases, treatment can lead to tooth loss.
Preventive measures for tooth root inflammation
First, it is important to understand that tooth root inflammation – also known as pulpitis – is a condition that requires careful treatment. One of the first measures in such a case is to clean and smooth the tooth surface. Special techniques such as ultrasound, curettes or scalers are used to remove plaque and tartar. Carious areas are also removed, usually using a drill. The oral cavity is also rinsed with antibacterial solutions to remove germs when the tooth is opened.
Root canal treatment for inflammation of the tooth root
Root canal treatment is a common method of treating pulpitis. The inflamed tooth pulp is removed and the root canal entrances are exposed. After the tooth decay is removed, the dental pulp is opened and completely removed. This allows the dentist to rinse the root canal and completely remove the infected tooth root. In the next step, the root canal is prepared and expanded if necessary. This is necessary to place a root filling to protect the tooth from invading bacteria. It is important to emphasize that the root can only be filled if it is symptom-free, dry and odor-free. For this reason, it may be necessary to place the final filling in a second session.
Root tip resection for inflammation of the tooth root
Root tip resection is a surgical method for treating tooth root inflammation. It is used if symptoms still persist despite root canal treatment or if there is chronic inflammation. During this procedure, a piece of the root tip is removed along with the inflamed tissue or a cyst in the bone. This makes it possible to treat and close inaccessible parts of the root canals from the root tip. If the root tip resection is not successful, the tooth must be removed.
Drug therapy for tooth root inflammation
In some cases, to treat root inflammation, it may be necessary to temporarily use anti-inflammatory and disinfectant agents to reduce the number of bacteria and prevent symptoms. It is always important to speak to your doctor before taking medication to clarify possible side effects and interactions.
After treatment of tooth root inflammation
There are some precautions to take after treating pulpitis. You should not eat anything while the effects of the local anesthetic last. You should also avoid smoking, coffee and black tea, and physical exertion for about 24 hours. To relieve or prevent swelling and pain, it is recommended to cool the treated area. You should also follow your dentist’s oral hygiene recommendations. If you experience particularly severe pain, swelling, fever or other signs of inflammation after the operation, you should contact your treating dentist or a dental emergency clinic immediately.
Complications in the treatment of tooth root inflammation
As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. These include wound healing disorders or infections. Sometimes when treating pulpitis, surrounding structures such as nerves or tooth structures are accidentally injured. That’s why the dentist can prescribe antibiotics as a preventive measure.
Prognosis after tooth root inflammation
In severe cases, treating root inflammation can lead to tooth loss. It is therefore important to see a dentist immediately if you see signs of root inflammation and carry out the recommended treatment measures.
About the author
Lucia Windhoff is an experienced communications expert with a bachelor’s degree in media studies and art history as well as a master’s degree in communications management. With diverse professional experience in various industries, including automotive, e-commerce and food, she brings a wide range of knowledge. She has been working at Burda Forward for almost three years, where she initially worked in campaign management for the health and lifestyle sector before moving to the health editorial team. There she devotes herself intensively to various diseases and their causes, symptoms and prevention.