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Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) and the surrounding tissues of the tooth’s root. The most common procedure performed in endodontics is a root canal, which involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and filling and sealing them to prevent future infection.
In addition to root canal treatment, endodontists may also perform other procedures such as apicoectomy (removal of the tip of the tooth’s root), traumatic injury treatment, and retreatment of previously treated teeth.
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp is damaged or infected as a result of tooth decay, injury, or periodontal disease. Without proper treatment, the infected pulp can cause pain and swelling, and can lead to an abscess (a pus-filled pocket) or the loss of the tooth. Root canal treatment can save a damaged or infected tooth, preventing the need for extraction and replacement with an artificial tooth.
There are several types of endodontic treatments that can be used to diagnose and treat problems with the dental pulp and surrounding tissues:
Root canal treatment: This is the most common endodontic procedure. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and filling and sealing them to prevent future infection.
Apicoectomy: This procedure is done when a root canal treatment has failed or when there is an infection at the tip of the tooth’s root. The endodontist will remove the tip of the root and surrounding tissue, and then seal the area to prevent future infection.
Traumatic injury treatment: Endodontists also treat teeth that have been injured as a result of trauma, such as a blow to the mouth or a fall. They may need to perform a root canal, apicoectomy, or other procedures to save the tooth and prevent infection.
Retreatment: In some cases, a previous endodontic treatment may not have been successful, and the tooth may become infected again. In such cases, an endodontist may have to retreat the tooth, which involves removing the previous filling and cleaning the root canals again.
Endodontic surgery: Endodontists may also perform surgical procedures such as apicoectomy, periradicular surgery, and root-end resection. These procedures are used when a root canal treatment is not enough to save the tooth or when a previous treatment has failed.
Endodontic Microsurgery: Endodontic Microsurgery is a new and advanced technique that involves the use of a microscope to magnify the inside of the tooth. This technique allows for a greater precision and accuracy during endodontic treatments such as apicoectomy.
It is important to note that not all teeth need endodontic treatment, and each case is unique, so an endodontist will evaluate the case and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
FAQ
A root canal is a common endodontic procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and filling and sealing them to prevent future infection.
A root canal may be necessary if the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) becomes infected or damaged due to tooth decay, injury, or periodontal disease. Without proper treatment, the infected pulp can cause pain and swelling and can lead to an abscess or the loss of the tooth.
A root canal is typically done under local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize discomfort. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, but this usually goes away within a few days.
An endodontist is a dental specialist who has completed additional education and training in endodontics beyond dental school. They are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues.
Yes, endodontic treatment can be done on a baby tooth if it is necessary to save the tooth. However, it is important to consider whether or not it is best to extract the baby tooth and allow the permanent tooth to come in. The endodontist will recommend the best course of treatment based on the child’s individual case.
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