A poisoned tooth is a topic that raises many questions and often worries patients. Why does the dentist decide to take this step? Is it necessary and what effects does it bring? In this article, we explain what tooth poisoning is, in what cases it is used and what are its advantages in the root canal treatment process. Find out why this is sometimes a crucial step in saving a tooth from extraction and what you should know before deciding on treatment.
Everyone must go to the dentist – regardless of whether they are currently struggling with problems with their own teeth or want to prevent them. Unfortunately, the fact is that practically everyone will skip check-ups, going to the dentist conservatively – only when the tooth starts to hurt. However, then it may be too late for superficial actions. More serious procedures will have to be undertaken, often related to tooth poisoning. Why is a tooth poisoned? Why is it used and what does such a process look like? We will discuss these two issues in today’s post.
What is the purpose of tooth poisoning?
The most desirable and standard visit to the dentist should lead to the removal of caries and the filling of minor cavities. Often, however, people decide to do it too late, and inflammation begins to form within the tooth pulp. Before a tooth is treated with one, it is necessary to get rid of this condition through root canal treatment.
Why does the dentist poison the tooth?
Precisely to get rid of inflammation and therefore cure the diseased tooth pulp. Toxic substances penetrate into it, leading to tissue death. Thanks to this, the development of further inflammation within it will simply be possible. Poisoning is therefore a key element of root canal treatment, without which it would not be possible to close the tooth and lead to its comprehensive healing.
Tooth poisoning is a process in which substances are specially used that can be quite harmful to tissues. However, it is one of the most effective solutions to choose in the fight against advanced and severe pain inflammation. It takes time to work in itself, which is why after poisoning, the dentist makes an appointment at least two weeks in advance. Importantly, a poisoned tooth can hurt. Therefore, it is recommended to use painkillers in critical situations, or simply to have them in stock in case they appear.
Good to know: In addition to poisoning, modern technology in the dental industry allows for the removal of diseased tooth pulp under a microscope. Thanks to this, there is no need to use harmful toxic substances, and the entire procedure can be completed within one visit. However, this is a technology that is currently only used by the best-equipped dental clinics.
What does the process of tooth poisoning look like?
Tooth poisoning is a process that seems to be quite complicated – but in fact, in theory it is not. To be able to carry them out, the dentist must:
- Ream the tooth to get to its canals. Inflammation occurs deep inside the tooth, in the canals. Therefore, this is the first step you need to take.
- Clean the canals in such a way that the poison is able to reach as deep as possible into them, and the subsequent filling can be complete (no free space inside the tooth can be left).
- Apply a special substance – the poison most often takes the form of a special paste, which the dentist must lubricate the entire interior of the treated tooth and, of course, the roots within it. This substance will be absorbed gradually, and its effect will be spread over time (it will take up to two weeks to do so).
- Protect the tooth – a special dressing that the dentist will apply in the last stage of tooth poisoning will allow it to be properly treated for the next days. Above all, however, it will prevent bacteria and microorganisms (such as those that come from food) from getting into it, which could have a very negative impact on the entire process. The dressing must harden – therefore, after its application, you must refrain from eating for at least a few hours.
The process of tooth poisoning takes quite a long time, as it requires the dentist to be very precise in preparing the tooth for treatment. Fortunately, however, the next visit, and therefore the proper root canal treatment, is much more efficient and does not require such complicated actions from the dentist. It is enough to fill the cavity in the right way and refine the tooth visually.
Tooth poisoning is by far the most common with quite strong local anesthesia. The need to apply it is due to the enormous pain that this type of tooth is able to generate. Once the poison has managed to fight the inflammation, the next treatment can be performed without anesthesia. It will be completely painless and completely safe – even if it involves a certain amount of drilling.
Root canal treatment is always a necessity that results from too much neglect of one’s own teeth.
Does a poisoned tooth hurt after a week?
The pain of a poisoned tooth a week after the procedure may result from the reaction of the tissues around the root to the healing process. Although tooth poisoning is designed to eliminate infection and pain, sometimes the body needs more time to recover. If the pain persists or intensifies, it is important to consult a dentist to assess whether the treatment is going well. You can learn more about advanced methods, such as root canal treatment under a microscope, which can help in such cases, in our article “Toothache – root canal treatment under a microscope”. Read on for details!
Why does the dentist poison the tooth? – Summary
Knowledge in this topic will allow you to understand the entire root canal treatment process, but also that such treatment must take at least several distant visits. Poisoning – although it is not ideal – is one of the few ways to deal with serious inflammation of the teeth. Therefore, it is worth opting for it – if, of course, it will be able to lead to a complete cure.
