Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the treatment of dental pulp and root canals. Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the living tissue within a tooth (the pulp, including blood vessels and nerves) becomes infected or loses vitality due to necrosis. With successful root canal treatment, a tooth can remain functional and preserved in the mouth for many years, potentially for a lifetime.
What Does Endodontic Treatment Aim to Achieve?
The primary goal of endodontic treatment is to save the patient’s natural teeth by treating and restoring damaged or infected teeth rather than extracting them. It addresses problems such as:
- Damage to tooth tissues caused by cavities, fractures, or infections.
- The need for root canal treatment to eliminate pain and infection.
Root Canal Treatment
The dental pulp is located within an open canal system inside the tooth. Nerves and blood vessels extend through the root and connect to the surrounding jawbone, gums, and mouth via small canals in the hard dental tissues. When an infection develops in this system, it requires careful and precise treatment. The canals must be thoroughly cleaned and sealed to prevent further contamination.
Advancements in dental tools and technology now allow root canal treatments, which previously required multiple sessions, to be completed in a single visit. Modern techniques also minimize post-treatment complications. These methods efficiently remove infected tissue and nerve residues, ensuring a more successful and lasting outcome.
Root canal treatment is often the last option to save a tooth. Once completed, the treated tooth can remain functional for many years. However, discoloration or darkening of the treated tooth may occur within two years. Without root canal treatment, untreated teeth are prone to decay and eventual extraction.
Stages of Root Canal Treatment
- Anesthesia
The tooth is numbed to ensure a painless procedure. - Cleaning and Shaping the Canal
- Decayed and damaged tissue is removed to expose the pulp chamber.
- Diseased and soft tissue, as well as nerve and tissue residues, are meticulously cleaned.
- The canal is shaped and prepared for filling, extending to the root tip.
- Medications may be applied to aid healing if necessary.
- Temporary Filling
- Between sessions (if needed), the tooth is sealed with temporary filling material to protect it while healing occurs.
- Once the inflammation subsides and the infection clears, the canal is filled with a special material that seals it completely.
- Final Filling
- In cases where multiple sessions are not required, the root canal treatment can be completed in a single session.