An untreated caries, due to its evolution from the enamel, dentin to the pulp chamber where the blood vessels and nerves are located, leads to inflammation of these tissues along with the appearance of dental pain. In clinical terms, endodontics involves either keeping part or all of the dental pulp healthy or removing the entire pulp in irreversible disease.
Modern endodontic treatment consists of extirpation of the nerve of the causal tooth and obturation of the root canals, all these manoeuvres being carried out under a microscope, for a better clinical approach, especially when endodontic retreatment is involved, followed by dental reconstruction (when the degree of destruction of the tooth is high), followed most of the time by the application of a crown in order to maintain the strength of the causal tooth over time.
Dental endodontics can bring several benefits to the overall health of the tooth and oral cavity. These include:
- Tooth saving: Endodontics can save a damaged or infected tooth and prevent the need for tooth extraction.
- Pain relief: Endodontics can eliminate pain associated with pulp inflammation or tooth infection.
- Preventing the spread of infection: Endodontics can prevent the spread of infection from the inside of the tooth into the surrounding tissues, thus preventing health problems and avoiding severe complications.
- Restoring normal function of the teeth: After endodontics, the tooth can be restored to normal function with a filling or dental crown.
- Improved overall health: Endodontics can help prevent other oral health problems that could occur if tooth infection is left untreated.
- Maintaining a healthy and aesthetic smile: Endodontics can help keep your smile healthy and aesthetically pleasing because the saved tooth can be restored to match the rest of your teeth.
Dental endodontics is a tooth treatment procedure that involves the removal of nerve and pulp tissue from inside the tooth, followed by cleaning, sterilizing and filling the root canal to prevent infection and save the tooth.
This treatment is necessary when the dental pulp, the soft, sensitive tissue inside the teeth, is infected or damaged, usually as a result of untreated decay or dental trauma. Common symptoms of a pulpitis or pulp inflammation can include toothache, sensitivity to extreme temperatures and swelling of the gums.
Endodontics involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia of the affected area to eliminate any discomfort or pain
- Access to the inside of the tooth by removing decay and infected or damaged soft tissue
- Cleaning and sterilising the root canal with special tools and antiseptic solutions to remove any bacteria and prevent infection
- Filling the root canal with a filler to prevent the reintroduction of bacteria and to maintain the integrity of the tooth structure
- Restoring the tooth with a filling material or dental crown to protect and strengthen the tooth.
After completing the endodontic procedure, it is important to follow proper oral hygiene as well as make regular visits to the dentist to ensure that the teeth remain healthy and in optimal shape.
