Drugs
The root canal treatment is performed in different phases, each of which uses a different medication. At the beginning there is an anaesthetic so that the patient does not feel any pain during the treatment. With a fine syringe, drugs such as lidocaine, mepivacaine, or bupivacaine are injected into the affected area.
As an additive, a substance is usually included which is very similar to the body’s own adrenaline. This causes the veins to constrict and less blood reaches the affected area. In order to rule out possible side effects of anesthesia, it is important to provide the dentist with all important information about your health condition.
Whether allergies are present, intolerances, general illnesses, such as cardiovascular problems, asthma or which drugs/substances are currently or permanently being taken. Due to the anaesthetic, the pain signal does not reach our brain, so that no pain is triggered. In the next step, the affected tissue is removed with the root fine.
Afterwards the opened cavity is rinsed with different rinses. The solutions contain hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; for disinfection and hemostasis), chlorhexidine (inhibits inflammation and eliminates all bacteria), and sodium hypochlorite (also has a disinfecting effect). Sodium hypochlorite is a well-known disinfectant, as it is also used in swimming pools.
Either the filling of the root is started directly, or a medication is inserted into the root first, so that the tooth can rest for a few days. The medication is given in the form of a paste, which either contains calcium or contains cortisone and an antibiotic, into the cleaned canal. When the time comes for the filling, a material is filled into the canal, which resembles a rubber-like mass.
It is called gutta-percha and it should seal the canal tightly. As a sealant, a paste is used, with a material that resembles the cement of the tooth. It is called dense cement.
With these two agents, the filling of the root is complete. A subsequent x-ray checks whether the filling has been made to the lowest point of the root. After the treatment, pain is often still present, but this is part of the normal healing process and should subside after a few days. However, to make the healing process more pleasant, various painkillers can be prescribed by the treating physician. Ibuprofen is usually the drug of choice, as it not only relieves pain but also has an anti-inflammatory effect and thus has an advantage over paracetamol.
