Microscopic root canal treatment makes it possible to treat even the smallest root canals of a tooth with extreme precision. It is a precise, safe, and the most comfortable solution for the patient. Using a special dental microscope and modern mechanical instruments, the removal of infected pulp tissue, the cleaning and filling of the root canals becomes more thorough and effective, significantly increasing the chances of saving the tooth in the long term.
Why is microscopic root canal treatment better?
Microscopic root canal treatment is currently the most modern and most accurate method of root canal therapy. During the procedure, a special operating microscope is used to remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth and to disinfect the root canals. This method is more precise, safer, and offers a much higher chance of saving the tooth.
The operating microscope provides up to 20x magnification, which means:
- The internal anatomy of the tooth is much more visible
- Root canals are easier to locate
- Less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed
- “Blind drilling” can be avoided
- Treatment is targeted and precise, without unnecessary removal of tooth material
Goal: Preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible while achieving maximum disinfection and cleaning.
Success rate in terms of tooth preservation
- Traditional root canal treatment: approx. 50% success rate
- Microscopic root canal treatment: approx. 90%+ success rate
Reason for the difference: With a microscope, more canals can be found and treated much more precisely.
Advantages of microscopic root canal treatment
Front teeth
Usually 1 canal, rarely 2. Easy to access and can be treated very precisely under the microscope.
Premolars
Usually 1–2 canals, sometimes 3. They may have branches and connections, which can be safely explored using a microscope.
Molars
Usually 3–4 canals, and very rarely 5–6 due to complex anatomy. Without a microscope, they are almost impossible to treat properly and are located far back in the mouth.
Why is microscopic root canal treatment especially important for molars?
Root canal treatment of molars without a microscope:
- Is difficult to access due to their position in the mouth
- Is hard to see with the naked eye
- Has poor lighting and limited visibility of canal entrances
- Makes high-quality treatment practically impossible
The Process of Microscopic Root Canal Treatment
1. Fresh CT scan
This allows us to determine in advance how many canals are expected, and to see branches, connections, and curvatures, enabling precise treatment planning.
2. Removal of decay and old fillings
This is essential because secondary decay may exist under old fillings. If root canal treatment is performed through decayed tooth structure, bacteria can re-enter the canals. Therefore, this source of infection must be eliminated at the beginning.
3. Complete isolation and tooth build-up
A rubber dam is fixed to the tooth with a clamp, completely isolating it from the rest of the mouth. This provides a safer, more comfortable treatment in a clean, decay-free environment.
4. Root canal treatment steps:
– Locating the canals
– Shaping the canals
– Disinfecting the canals
5. Root canal filling (usually in the same visit)
Root filling is always mandatory and is an integral part of root canal treatment.
6. Final restoration: inlay, crown, or bridge
The final restoration is completed with an inlay, crown, or bridge. This:
– restores chewing function
– protects the root-treated tooth from fractures
– provides a proper seal for the root filling and prevents bacteria from entering from the oral cavity