What is devitalization?
Devitalization is a surgical procedure that involves the destruction and subsequent removal of the pulp of a tooth; it is performed when this tissue, rich in nerve endings and blood vessels, is irreparably compromised by extensive cariogenic processes, trauma or other serious dental disorders. The devitalization also includes the sealing (obturation) of the pulp canal with special cements and biocompatible materials, such as to prevent a possible, possible bacterial spread in the surrounding areas.
Devitalization - also called root canal treatment - it is a tooth rescue operation as it excludes its extraction.
The dental pulp is the innermost part of a tooth, made up of blood vessels (arterioles and venules), nerves and special cells - called odontoblasts - used for the production of dentin. The dental pulp extends from the crown of the tooth (the visible white part) to the tip of the roots. The channel inside the root is called root canal.
The dental pulp is needed by the tooth for its proper growth. However, once developed, the tooth can remain in place even in the absence of pulp, fully performing its chewing function.
As mentioned, devitalization does not require the extraction of the tooth because this can "live" even without its pulp. However, after the operation, it is necessary to reconstruct the crown because the tooth - deprived of its vital pulp - becomes more fragile and more prone to fractures or trauma.
Indications
Less drastic alternative to dental extraction, devitalization is indicated in the following circumstances:
- Very extensive and deep caries (devitalization is indicated for cariogenic processes that cannot be treated by simple filling)
- Severe dental trauma
- Deep inflammation of the tooth pulp (severe pulpitis)
- (Some) Dental abscesses
- Tooth severely chipped
- Broken teeth
- Correction of a failed dental procedure
- Teeth that require encapsulation
In the cases just reported, the patient can undergo bacterial infections, which in turn can trigger even more critical lesions, such as granuloma, cyst and dental abscess. To avoid these complications, there are two solutions: devitalization or tooth extraction.
In the presence of a strong and unstoppable toothache, especially if accompanied by swelling, pain during chewing and hypersensitivity to heat and cold, a visit to the dentist is strongly recommended. These symptoms, in fact, can be a lit indicator of a deep cariogenic process (which has reached the pulp) or of a "severe pulp infection. Only when diagnosed in time, these disorders can be resolved through a devitalization operation. In this case, the" the infection was too deep and irreversible, the only solution is the extraction of the tooth.
By whom is it performed?
Devitalization is a delicate intervention; therefore, it must be performed exclusively by competent and specialized personnel. Endodontists are dentists (dentists) specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of infections or traumas affecting the pulp of the tooth. For this reason, devitalization is also called endodontic treatment.
Ache
Today, devitalization is an almost PAINLESS endodontic surgery, always performed under local anesthesia. Thanks to the technological improvement of anesthetic procedures, devitalization is no more painful than a common filling.
Only in the days immediately following the surgery, the tooth may be more sensitive to thermal changes or to certain foods (especially sugary and sticky ones such as jam and honey).
Cost
Devitalization surgery is not cheap, and the cost varies according to the severity of the trauma / caries and the location of the tooth. Generally, the price requested for the devitalization of a tooth ranges from 100 to 350 euros.
Devitalization: execution of the "intervention and risks"
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