Definition
Root filling is the last step in the process of root canal treatment and completes the treatment. The root canal, which has been previously freed of nerve tissue, rinsed, disinfected and widened, is sealed airtight so that no bacteria can contaminate the tooth. But why exactly does a root canal filling occur and what are the chances of success of this treatment?
Causes
The bacteria metabolize the vessels, which leads to unpleasant pain and feelings of pressure. As a result, the vessels must be removed from the nerve canal. Another indication for a root canal filling is a failed root canal filling that is too short and does not seal the tooth optimally. In this case the root filling must be removed completely and then filled again. Also broken teeth, which result in an open nerve chamber, require root canal treatment with root filling to restore the defect.
Procedure of a root canal filling
Root filling is the last step of the root canal treatment. After the nerve and blood vessels have been completely removed from the pulp, the nerve canal is treated further. It is widened either mechanically or manually with hand files, so that a prefabricated pin fits perfectly into it.
However, this process can continue. The primary goal is to kill the bacteria from the tooth and disinfect the tooth. This is achieved with various rinsing solutions and medical inlay fillings.
If the tooth still causes discomfort, even after all the vessels have been removed, a medication is inserted into the canal and it is waited several days until the tooth is symptom-free. Only then the canal is prepared and widened. Now the canals of the tooth are measured with the help of a resistance meter, so that the length of the later root filling can be determined.
To make sure of the measurement, an x-ray is often taken to find out the optimal length. After widening the canals, they are dried after a few rinses, so that there is no liquid left. Now the root canal filling, which is made of gutta-percha or thermoplastic materials, is placed in the canal with a sealer that compresses any gaps between the filling and the canal walls.
The protruding ends are cut off with a heating device and the root filling is pressed down so that it cannot escape from the canals. To close the hole, a filling is now made with plastic to reintegrate the tooth into the tooth row. After the treatment a control x-ray of the tooth is always taken to check the length of the root filling. If the result of the root filling is satisfactory and the tooth remains symptom-free for the next 2-4 months, the tooth should be finally crowned.
