Endodontics

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a dental specialty focused on treating the inside of the tooth, specifically the dental pulp and surrounding root tissues. The endodontist is responsible for diagnosing and treating issues affecting the tooth's interior, such as inflammation, infections, and damage to the pulp, which is the soft tissue at the tooth's center containing nerves and blood vessels. The most common endodontic procedure is root canal treatment, which aims to save the natural tooth by eliminating infection and protecting it from future microbial invasions.

Specialties and Procedures

An endodontist specializes in a variety of procedures involving the dental pulp and roots. Besides root canal treatment, the most well-known procedure, the endodontist also performs retreatments of root canals that did not fully heal, treats teeth with fractures or traumatic injuries, and performs endodontic surgeries such as apicoectomy, which involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root and any infected tissue around it.

When to See an Endodontist?

You should consider seeing an endodontist if you experience symptoms like persistent tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth discoloration, swelling in the gums around the affected tooth, or the presence of an abscess (pocket of pus) around the tooth. These signs indicate that the tooth’s pulp may be damaged or infected and requires specialized treatment. Additionally, patients who have experienced dental trauma, such as fractures or dislocations, should also consult an endodontist to assess the need for treatment.

Symptoms and How an Endodontist Can Help

The main symptoms indicating the need for endodontic treatment include intense pain, which can be constant or intermittent, sensitivity to touch or chewing, swelling in the face or gums, and even the formation of fistulas, which are small pus-filled pockets that can appear around the tooth. The endodontist helps by eliminating the infection from the dental pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent further infections. The goal is to preserve the natural tooth whenever possible, avoiding the need for extraction.

Preventing Endodontic Problems

The best way to prevent issues requiring endodontic treatment is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. Additionally, avoiding dental trauma by using mouthguards during sports activities and treating cavities and small lesions as soon as possible can prevent damage to the dental pulp. Adopting a balanced diet rich in nutrients also contributes to the health of teeth and gums.

Endodontic Treatments

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is the most common procedure in endodontics and involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth. After removal, the root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a biocompatible material, and the tooth is sealed to prevent future infections. This treatment is essential for saving a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to infection.

Endodontic Retreatment

In some cases, a tooth that has already undergone root canal treatment may begin to show symptoms of infection again. Endodontic retreatment involves removing the old filling material, re-cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and refilling the canals to eliminate the infection and save the tooth.

Apicoectomy

Apicoectomy is an endodontic surgery performed when infection persists at the end of the tooth's root after root canal treatment. The procedure involves removing the root tip and surrounding infected tissue, followed by sealing the canal to prevent further infections.

Treatment of Dental Fractures

Fractures in the teeth, especially those extending to the root, may require endodontic treatment. The endodontist assesses the extent of the fracture and may perform a root canal to protect the remaining part of the tooth and prevent infections, increasing the chances of preserving the natural tooth.

Treatment of Traumatic Injuries

Traumatic injuries, such as displaced or completely avulsed teeth, require prompt intervention. The endodontist can reposition and stabilize the affected tooth and perform root canal treatment when necessary to preserve the tooth and prevent future complications.