Root canal treatment – Endodontology in Munich

• Piercing, throbbing pain in the tooth
• Pain when pressure is applied
• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
• General sensitivity to touch (tooth “feels too long”)
• Pain when biting
• Tooth discolours either becoming darker or yellow after trauma (e.g. impact or accident)
• Gum swelling and sensitivity to pressure
• Bone disintegration at the tip of the root (visible on x-ray)

• Severe cavities
• Inflammation of the nerve (Pulpitis)
• Periodontitis with pronounced periodontal pockets
• Tooth fracture in an accident
• Trauma from past treatment
• Tooth decay

• Preserve the natural tooth
• Long-term elimination of pain and sensitivity
• Complete eradication of germs and bacteria
• Permanent closure of the root canal preventing bacteria from re-entering

If an infection is left untreated it can cause moderate to extreme pain, and result in pus-filled abscesses eventually leading to bone deterioration in severe cases. If the condition is treated early on the tooth can be preserved, but left untreated extraction is the only option.

At Dr. Pink and colleagues dental practice in Munich, root canal treatment is conducted under a local anaesthetic.

1. Cavities (and possibly also inadequate prosthetic fittings) are removed
2. The top of the root is removed and root canals are located using a high-precision microscope. The length of the root canal is exactly measured using electrical impedance measurement.
3. Root canals are mechanically prepared using various nickel-titanium rotary instruments.
4. Canals are rinsed using an antibacterial solution and ultrasound technology to eliminate germs and bacteria.
5. Root canals are dried and then filled with a biocompatible material sealing the canal system and protecting it from renewed bacterial infection.
6. The tooth is sealed using a filling base.
7. A new prosthetic fitting is produced to protect the tooth.

Root canal treatment is carried out under a local anaesthetic which means that treatment is usually completely painless. For one or two days after the procedure, there can be some pain/symptoms caused by the treatment. However, these can usually be managed with regular pain killers.

The number of sessions required depends on the degree of infection in the tooth. Usually treatment is completed within one or two appointments. Each treatment takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. To ensure that the treatment is successful in the long term, a check-up involving a digital x-ray of the treated tooth is recommended 3-6 months later. This allows the healing progress to be assessed and recorded.

Successfully treated teeth with no further signs of infection can be retained just as long as your other healthy, vital teeth. However, to ensure the lasting success of the treatment, a prosthetic fitting in the form of a partial or full crown is necessary. Regular x-ray check-ups and professional cleaning are also highly recommended.

Successfully treating an infected root canal is one of the most challenging tasks in dentistry, requiring time, experience and expertise. There is no 100% guarantee for the long-term success of this procedure because some factors remain beyond our control despite our utmost care and attention.
Many studies have shown that the prospects of endodontic treatment are promising with 75-95% success rates where the procedure is carried out using the latest scientific standards. Dr. Pink and colleagues dental practice uses state-of-the-art technology and proven methods to achieve the best results.
In some particularly complicated cases and despite the correct treatment of the tooth using root canal therapy, it may be necessary to perform a root tip resection. Detailed information about this indication can be found on our root tip resection webpage.
You also play an important role in ensuring the lasting success of the treatment. The first step is a check-up to review the treatment outcome and, if necessary, commence further measures e.g. a follow-up x-ray. We emphasise that good oral hygiene and regular oral prophylaxis significantly reduce the risk of cavities and periodontitis, and help to keep your teeth healthy.

The cost depends on the complexity of the procedure, the number of appointments necessary and the total treatment time required. There is also a difference between initial and corrective treatment. We always provide a detailed quotation before treatment begins. Our partner mediserv GmbH is happy to provide advice on financing options.