Root canal treatment. These diseases can thwart them

The need for endodic treatment is associated with inflammation of the tooth pulp, i.e. the living interior of the tooth. In the vast majority of cases, the cause of the problems is tooth decay. It is she who destroys the hard tissues of the tooth and causes inflammation or necrosis of the pulp.

- Root canal treatment aims to remove the infection that develops in the tooth. It is also important to permanently rebuild and fill the tooth with a suitable material that will seal and prevent bacteria from getting inside the tooth again. After such treatment, the tooth remains dead, there are no vessels and nerves, but it can still fulfill its function. Studies show that such a tooth can live up to 20 years - says the doctor. stom. bow. stom. Bartłomiej Karaś, endodontist, member of e.g. Research Department of the Polish Society of Endodontics.

However, the ultimate success of root canal treatment depends on many factors. The authors of an article published this year in the International Endodontic Journal (one of the two most prestigious magazines in the world devoted to endodontics) write about them. Researchers reviewed dozens of previous research results, showing the possible impact of various systemic diseases on the results of endodontic treatment.

- The course of regeneration of periapical tissues after root canal treatment may be affected by factors such as the patient's age, diet, daily stress level or hormones. The impact of systemic diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis (this also applies to patients who have already completed treatment even a year earlier, as the drugs used in treatment are very burdensome for the body), cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases has also been proven. Smokers should also pay attention. A completely different range of challenges, which the patient has no influence on, are genetic factors - says the doctor. stom. Bartholomew Karaś.

Research has shown that some of these systemic diseases can affect the proper course of processes that directly affect how the body deals with an infection that has appeared in the tooth.

- Difficulties and challenges faced by our body can m. affect the course (its lack or delay) of periapical wound healing, the appearance of which indicates inflammation of the pulp, and is also responsible for toothache. These ailments can also change the microcirculation, and thus reduce the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the periapical tissues. Then, the wound in the periapical area (pulp and bone) may not fully heal, and this directly translates into the success of root canal treatment - notes the doctor. stom. Bartholomew Karas. -

There are more factors that may affect the result of root canal treatment, which is why it is so important when we struggle with additional ailments to be sure that the proposed treatment and the materials used are the best of the best.

- The authors of the aforementioned study emphasize that the reduction in the bacterial load of the root canals associated with the use of good filling materials and the patient's immune response are able to act on the residual microorganisms in the root canals and promote the repair of periapical lesions. On the other hand, it was also clear that the systemic state of the individual could interfere with this process - says the doctor. stom. Bartholomew Karaś.

An article published in the International Endodontic Journal shows how important it is for every dentist to know about the health of each patient. Let us remember this when we fill out the medical questionnaire before the visit.

- The questionnaire is very detailed, and the information provided in it can be an important clue for the dentist, who can also help point the way to solving other, non-oral problems. Also remember to inform your doctor if you are diagnosed with any new diseases. Each aspect can affect the success of treatment - sums up the medicine. stom. Bartholomew Karaś.

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