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Endodontics

Endodontics is the dental specialty concerned with the dental pulp and tissues around a tooth's roots. "Endo" is the Greek word meaning "within," while "odont" refers to a tooth. Endodontic surgery, often known as root canal treatment, addresses the pulp tissue within the tooth.

A dentist who specializes on salvaging teeth is an endodontist. Dentists specializing in this branch have a very clear image of the tooth's inside and are able to repair the tooth fast and painlessly due to the use of advanced technologies and specific procedures.

Besides that, it is often confused where exactly the tooth pulp is. It refers to the nerves, blood arteries, and other tissues located deep within each tooth. The pulp, or in other words, connective tissue within teeth, plays a crucial function in the development of teeth in growing children. Pulpitis can be caused by cavities or a fractured tooth. It frequently causes toothache. It can occasionally result in a significant health issue that requires immediate medical intervention.

 

Procedures of Endodontics

 

Endodontic treatments are applied quite frequently in the field of dentistry. Major procedures include root canal treatment (RCT), apicoectomy, and removal of the periradicular lesion. The most common is root canal surgery.

Root canal treatment is a dental technique used to treat infected pulp in teeth that would otherwise require extraction. Typically, this occurs when germs enter the pulp via a deep hole or a botched filling.

When both the coronal and dental apical are irrevocably destroyed, root canal therapy is necessary. Before installing crowns and overdentures, it can also be performed on teeth with questionable pulpal health.

Root canal surgery is not only practiced when an infected or irritated pulp necessitates pain alleviation. It is also applied to prevent undesirable signs and symptoms from the surrounding sequelae and to promote healing and restoration of the periradicular tissues.

 

The following steps are usually followed within the scope of root canal treatment:

 

  • Extracting the diseased and damaged pulp
  • Forming the whole system of root canals
  • Decontamination of the full root canal system
  • Filling and covering the system of root canals
  • Applying a direct restoration, like a composite filling, or indirect way, such as a crown

 

Candidates of Root Canal Treatment

 

Some individuals who do not want root canals or who have irreparably damaged teeth may choose extraction instead. They can consult a dentist about having the tooth extracted and afterwards undergoing cosmetic dentistry to replace the missing teeth, like a dental bridge. Nonetheless, if it is possible to preserve the tooth and the patient is a good candidate for a root canal, the endodontist often choose this option. Natural teeth are usually best for everyone.

 

Post-op Period of Root Canal Treatment

 

How patients feel following endodontic treatment depends vary on the nature and severity of their unique condition. The majority of the operations are outpatient procedures. The patient may experience minimal discomfort following a root canal surgery. Some individuals are able to go back to their work the same day.

After the operation, the patient may feel pain in his/her mouth for a few days. A more comprehensive operation may result in greater or longer-lasting pain. The dentist might prescribe drugs to alleviate discomfort, combat infection, or support in the body's recovery.

Following a root canal, the patient may require further dental appointments. Expert may place a crown on them to thoroughly safeguard and restore the ones that are restored. It is essential to adhere to the dentist's advice to ensure the tooth recovers properly.

Frequently Asked Questions