Endodontics is a specialty in dentistry focused on treating diseases that affect the dental pulp, which is the soft tissue located inside the teeth.
What is Endodontics
Endodontics, or root canal treatment, is a dental procedure designed to treat infections and inflammation in the dental pulp.
The dental pulp is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and it is located in the root canals of the tooth; it can be damaged due to various causes:
- Deep cavities: bacteria can reach the pulp and cause infections.
- Dental trauma: caused by severe impacts that may fracture or damage the pulp.
- Extensive restorations: previous dental procedures that have irritated or compromised the pulp.
- Advanced periodontal disease: gum infections that can spread and reach the dental pulp.
The goal of endodontics is to remove the affected pulp tissue, clean and disinfect the root canals, and then seal them to prevent future infections.
The importance of this procedure lies in its ability to save a tooth that would otherwise require extraction, helping preserve the patient’s chewing function and dental aesthetics.
How a root canal is performed
The process of performing a root canal is divided into several stages and generally requires one to three visits to the dentist, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Diagnosis: a clinical and radiographic evaluation is performed to confirm the need for endodontics; this also requires analyzing symptoms, persistent pain, sensitivity to heat/cold, and tooth discoloration.
- Opening the tooth: during the procedure, an opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp.
- Cleaning: with the help of specialized instruments, the dentist removes the affected pulp, cleans, and widens the canals; disinfectant solutions are also used to eliminate bacteria and tissue debris.
- Filling: after cleaning and disinfecting, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material and a special cement to prevent future infections.
- Restoration: in the final step, the dentist places a temporary or permanent restoration on the tooth’s crown.
Beyond the expertise of the dental professional, the success of the endodontic procedure also requires the patient to follow proper post-treatment care, including good oral hygiene.
Dental treatments
Beyond endodontics, dentistry offers other treatments to maintain oral health and aesthetics:
- Professional dental cleaning: an essential procedure to prevent periodontal disease and cavities.
- Fillings: used to restore teeth damaged by cavities.
- Dental crowns: prostheses that completely cover a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, and function. This procedure is commonly used in cases of extensive fractures or after a root canal treatment.
- Dental implants: titanium artificial roots inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.
- Orthodontics: used to correct dental and jaw alignment issues through braces, clear aligners, or other devices.
- Teeth whitening: an aesthetic procedure to lighten tooth color and remove surface stains.
- Tooth extractions: performed when a tooth is too damaged to be saved.
- Periodontics: treatment addressing gum diseases and the supporting tissues of the teeth.
- Dental prostheses: removable or fixed devices used to replace missing teeth.
Oral health is a fundamental part of overall well-being. In this context, endodontics is an invaluable procedure for preserving teeth and relieving the pain associated with pulp damage or infections.
At ABC Medical Center’s Dental Health area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
MSD Manuals, Cigna, MedlinePlus
