TOOTH RESTORATION WITH OVERLAY AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT – AN OPTIMAL TOOTH-PRESERVING SOLUTION AT HERIDENT

A 35-year-old female patient visited Herident Dental Clinic with severe pain in the upper right molar area, especially during chewing and when exposed to hot or cold. Upon examination, the doctor diagnosed irreversible pulpitis in tooth R17, with minimal remaining tooth structure due to extensive decay. After root canal treatment using modern endodontic systems, the doctor indicated restoration using miếng dán sứ a porcelain Overlay – an optimal tooth-preserving solution instead of traditional full crown preparation.

1. Customer information

Full name: N.T.T.M  Gender – Age: Female – 35 years old

Reason for the visit: 

Ms. M came to the clinic after suffering from sudden tooth pain that started a few days earlier, not expecting it to disrupt her daily life to such an extent. The pain was intense, radiating to her temples every time she chewed or drank cold water. Especially at night, the pain intensified, affecting her sleep and leaving her feeling tired and irritable.

2. Customer's wishes and concerns: Wants to save the tooth and is very afraid of pain

Ms. M hesitated for many days before deciding to visit – not due to a busy schedule, but because of a fear of pain during treatment. 

However, she also shared with the doctor that her greatest wish was to relieve the pain completely while preserving her natural tooth. She clearly stated that if there was a solution that was both effective and gentle, she would be fully cooperative.

3. Initial condition

Before coming to the clinic, the patient had been experiencing toothache for several days, with increasing intensity affecting her daily life. Through clinical examination and X-ray, the doctor noted:

• Tooth R17 had irreversible pulpitis, with distinct pain upon percussion and probing, no signs of abscess or gum swelling.
• Very little remaining tooth structure on R17, with a large cavity on the distal side – high risk of fracture if not treated properly.

4. Diagnosis and treatment indication

Diagnosis: Irreversible pulpitis on tooth R17.
Indications:
Stage 1: Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal Therapy) Complete removal of inflamed pulp tissue; cleaning and sealing the root canal system to prevent reinfection.
Stage 2: Restoration with porcelain Overlay – helps preserve maximum natural tooth structure instead of full crown preparation.
Design of a precisely fitted porcelain Overlay to restore lost tooth structure.
Protection of remaining tooth structure, preventing fracture risk after root canal – a common complication if not properly restored.

Advantages of Overlay restoration:

• Maximal preservation of natural tooth: No need to reduce the entire crown
• Prolongs tooth life after root canal treatment.
• Minimizes fracture risk – a leading cause of tooth loss post-endodontic treatment.
• Ensures aesthetic and functional chewing.

5. Detailed treatment procedure using the Overlay method

Step 1: Local anesthesia and pulp chamber access, cleaning the pulp chamber and root canals using modern rotary instruments.

Step 2: Use of ultrasonic devices and dental microscope to support accurate cleaning.

Step 3: Filling the root canal system with gutta-percha and biocompatible sealer.

Step 4: Core build-up, digital impression-taking using CAD-CAM technology to design a personalized Overlay.

Step 5: Cementing the porcelain Overlay with resin cement, occlusion adjustment, and post-treatment care instructions.

6. Treatment outcome & customer feedback

After root canal treatment: The pain disappeared completely within 1 day, with no lingering sensitivity or discomfort.
After Overlay placement: ormal chewing sensation returned, tooth felt natural, no bulkiness, and no visible signs of restoration.

Customer feedback:
"I was very surprised that the root canal treatment didn’t hurt at all like I had imagined. I used to avoid going to the dentist because I was so afraid of the pain. But just one day after treatment, I felt relieved – the pain was completely gone. After getting the porcelain Overlay, it felt like I never had a cavity. Thank you so much, doctor!"

OPTIMAL TOOTH PRESERVATION WITH OVERLAY METHOD AT HERIDENT

The case of Ms. N.T.T.M clearly illustrates the value of proactive dental visits and choosing the right restorative method after root canal therapy. If she had continued to delay because of her fear of pain, the result might have been permanent tooth loss – which not only affects chewing ability but could also lead to consequences like bone resorption, tooth shifting, and bite misalignment.

Fortunately, thanks to timely and proper intervention, tooth R17 was preserved, with maximum conservation of natural tooth structure and restored function and aesthetics using a porcelain Overlay. Remarkably, the entire treatment was gentle and painless, contrary to her previous fears, because at Herident, every procedure is performed under effective anesthesia, using modern technology and precise techniques.

At Herident Dental Clinic, we understand that:

• Natural teeth are invaluable assets – every tooth saved preserves a part of life quality.
• Root canal treatment is not simply about pain relief, but a journey to restore and protect a once severely damaged tooth.

We are committed not just to treatment, but to helping our patients understand, trust, and take control of their oral health. From microscope-assisted endodontics to modern restorations – every step is geared toward safety, precision, and maximum preservation.