In the communication with patients, the term “root canal treatment” is a high-frequency word. In order to let patients know more comprehensively about root canal treatment, this article explains the common problems of root canal treatment, and I hope it will be helpful to you. (This article refers to the root canal treatment of permanent teeth, see my other popular root canal treatment of milk teeth) 1, understanding root canal treatment root canal treatment is the most effective treatment method for endodontic and periapical diseases. The principle of treatment is to remove the infected material in the pulp cavity and root canal, then after root canal disinfection, the material fills the root canal to achieve the purpose of treatment and prevention of infection. 2, which cases need to do root canal treatment (indications) (1) acute, chronic pulpitis. (2) Acute and chronic periapical inflammation. (3) Prophylactic treatment: The tooth itself is not diseased, but the tooth needs to be used as an abutment for restoration, or the tooth needs to be “ground down” for braces in order to improve aesthetics, etc. In order to avoid the resulting discomfort and prevent possible infection, root canal treatment is required. (4) Treatment of lesions in the jawbone requires root canal treatment for lesions in the jawbone, such as surgical removal of cysts, which may affect the teeth. (5) After the completion of apical induction molding of young permanent teeth. (6) Deep caries and other unsuccessful treatment by pulp preservation. (3) Possible intraoperative complications (1) Lateral penetration of root canal wall and pulp chamber bottom penetration. It can be divided into pathological and medical origin. Extensive caries, thin root canal wall, root canal resorption, root canal bending and blockage can lead to perforation, and large scale perforation may lead to extraction of the affected tooth. (2) Instrument separation. Since the tooth tissue is hard tissue and the root canal treatment tools are metal instruments, coupled with the complexity and variability of the root canal system, it is difficult to completely avoid instrument separation during hard contact treatment. For root canals that are calcified and blocked or bent and mutated, instrument separation is more likely to occur. If instrument separation occurs, there is no need to be nervous, the doctor will weigh the pros and cons and decide whether to take it out or not, the broken instrument is left in the tooth and usually does not cause adverse effects. (3) The instrument falls into the digestive or respiratory tract. The patient should cooperate closely with the doctor during treatment and listen to the doctor’s arrangement. (4) Soft tissue injury such as oral mucosa. Oh my God, there are so many complications waiting for me! Don’t be afraid! These complications are just one obstacle on the road to successful treatment! You can’t just swallow and not eat, you still have to do what you have to do. Choose the right doctor, treatment and good cooperation with the doctor is the key to successful root canal treatment and reduce complications. 4.Post-operative considerations after canal treatment After a lot of hard work and spending a lot of money, finally completed the root canal treatment, how can we consolidate the results of treatment later? (1) Root canal treatment may need to be completed several times, and should be followed up on time according to medical advice. After each root canal treatment, the medicine will be sealed inside the tooth, and it is normal to have the smell of medicine in the mouth. Generally, one to two hours after sealing the medicine, you can eat and drink normally, and pay attention to avoid the affected tooth after brushing and eating to avoid the medicine falling off. (2) Pain and swelling. There may be pain and swelling after root canal treatment, which will generally disappear in about 2-3 weeks, and can be relieved by oral anti-inflammatory drugs if necessary. Sometimes the pain of the neighboring tooth can be mistaken for the pain of the root canal treated tooth, so pay attention to distinguish. (3) Do not bite hard objects. The tooth after root canal treatment is more fragile than normal teeth, so try not to bite hard objects to avoid fracture. Severe tooth fracture may require extraction. Be even more careful with hidden cracked teeth! (4) Full crown protection. Full crown protection is usually performed after one week of root canal treatment to prevent fracture. (5) Proper understanding of root canal treatment (1) Root canal treatment is the most classical and effective as well as the most conventional treatment for endodontic and periapical diseases. (2) The pain during root canal treatment is not serious, and local anesthesia can be used. Do not refuse root canal treatment because of the fear of pain. (3) Some patients refuse root canal treatment because they think it makes the tooth lose its pulp, and their condition worsens as a result! Trust your doctor, who is very careful in choosing the root canal treatment plan, see point 2 above. (4) Root canal treatment is not a panacea. Some teeth with severe pathology cannot be retained even after root canal treatment. Periodontal treatment is also required after root canal treatment for teeth with periodontal disease.