Endodontics

Overview

Endodontics is a dental specialty concerned with the "inside of the tooth" the dental pulp, root, nerves, and surrounding tissue.

Endodontic therapy is significant because it is intended to save a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted, and there is no real substitute for your natural tooth in terms of functionality, the pulp can be damaged as a result of periodontal disease or a traumatic injury, the most common causes of pulp damage, however, are extensive decay or fracture, which exposes the pulp to bacteria that promote infection.

Endodontic infections, while usually painless, can cause pain ranging from mild to excruciating. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as eating hot or cold foods, biting or tapping the tooth, or it can be painful without any prompting.

 

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. The dental pulp is the soft tissue in the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerve fibers.

Endodontics, also known as root canal treatment, is the process of protecting or removing the pulp from a tooth in order to prevent or treat disease, specifically infection. The disease itself can be excruciatingly painful, and if left untreated, it can result in an abscess, an infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth roots.

Endodontic treatment is commonly required due to tooth decay, crown cracks or fractures, or a leaking filling that has allowed infection to enter the pulp area.

Endodontic treatment can also be performed on previously root-treated teeth to treat or prevent infection or to provide a stable foundation for a new filling or crown; this is known as root canal retreatment.

Endodontic treatment's ultimate goal is to save teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted. It is performed under local anesthesia, just like a regular filling, and the success rates are typically extremely high, comparable to treatment alternatives such as extractions followed by an implant.

Endodontic treatment can be time-consuming, but with the latest techniques and the care of our highly skilled Specialist Endodontist, it is usually completed in one or two visits with little or no discomfort. Endodontically treated teeth must be carefully restored, usually by the referring general dentist, with either a new filling or a crown for the best long-term outcome.

 

Who is an Endodontist?

An endodontist is a highly skilled dentist. Endodontists specialize in the treatment of complex tooth problems that primarily affect the tooth pulp (the inside of teeth). They treat dental pulp and root tissues with advanced techniques. When possible, these specialists focus on relieving your toothache while preserving your natural tooth.

 

What is tooth pulp?

The nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues deep inside each tooth are referred to as "pulp" by dentists. (The part of your teeth you see when you look in the mirror is an outer layer called enamel.)

The pulp, or connective tissue inside teeth, is critical in assisting children's teeth development as they grow, pulpitis can be caused by tooth decay (due to poor dental and gum care) or a cracked tooth (an inflamed or infected tooth pulp).

A toothache is frequently caused by pulpitis (tooth pain). It can sometimes result in a serious health problem that necessitates immediate medical attention.

 

What does an endodontist do?

Endodontists are also known as root canal dentists. While both general dentists and endodontists can perform root canal therapy, endodontists perform it far more frequently. Endodontists have a higher level of expertise in performing root canal treatment due to the increased volume and additional training.

Endodontists are experts in determining the root causes of tooth pain. They also perform the following dental procedures:

1. Root canal treatment:

Root canal therapy is a simple procedure that can relieve dental pain and save your teeth. When there is inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth, a root canal is usually required. An endodontist who specializes in root canal therapy carefully removes the pulp inside the tooth, cleans, disinfects, and shapes the root canals, and places a filling to seal the space.

    2. Endodontic retreatment:

With proper care, patients can keep their root canal-treated teeth for life, but it is possible for those teeth to heal incorrectly, becoming painful or diseased months or even years after treatment. If this happens to a treated tooth, retreatment provides a second chance to save the tooth. An additional procedure may be able to alleviate dental pain and promote healing. If you suspect that a previously treated tooth requires retreatment, consult a dentist or endodontist.

As with any dental or medical procedure, it is possible that the tooth will not heal as expected following initial treatment for a variety of reasons, including:

• During the initial procedure, no narrow or curved canals were treated.
• In the first procedure, complicated canal anatomy went undetected.
• Following the endodontic treatment, the crown or other restoration was delayed.
• The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination of the tooth's interior.

    3. Emergency dental surgery:

A nonsurgical root canal procedure may not be enough to save your tooth, and your endodontist may recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to find small fractures or hidden canals that were missed by X-rays during the initial treatment. Surgery may also be required to remove calcium deposits in root canals, as well as to treat damaged root surfaces or the tooth's surrounding bone.

    4. Dental implant surgery:

If an endodontic procedure cannot save your tooth and it must be extracted, you should think about getting a dental implant, which will allow you to bite and chew properly, prevent healthy teeth from shifting, and help you maintain a natural appearance. Discuss your treatment options thoroughly with your dental team to ensure you select the treatment that is best for your overall health.

    5. Endodontic surgery:

If an endodontic procedure is unable to save the tooth and it must be extracted, the patient should consider a dental implant, which will allow them to bite and chew properly, prevent healthy teeth from shifting, and help them maintain a natural appearance. Carefully discussing treatment options with the dental team to ensure that the best treatment for overall health is chosen.

 

What do endodontists treat?

Endodontists primarily treat the pulp (interior tissues) or root tissues of teeth that have been damaged by one or more of the following factors:

• Tooth decay, such as an untreated cavity caused by plaque that damages the root tissues of a tooth.
• Tooth abscess (a pus-filled pocket formed when bacteria enter tooth or gums).
• Traumatic tooth injuries (such as a hard fall).
• A cracked tooth occurs when a crack extends into the pulp tissue of a tooth.

 

How does an endodontist test a tooth?

Endodontists have received specialized training in order to diagnose a wide range of complex causes of the tooth, mouth (oral), and facial pain. An endodontist may examine your symptoms by performing one or more of the following tests:

• Dental X-rays provide precise information about tooth structures.
• The sensitivity of the tooth can be tested using hot or cold swabs applied to the affected tooth.
• Tapping on teeth may reveal which tooth is affected and how far the inflammation has spread, particularly if teeth are sensitive to the tapping.

 

What is Root canal treatment (RCT)?

Root canal treatment is performed when the root of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed in order to preserve and protect the infected root. The procedure entails removing the damaged pulp, treating the infection, and finally filling the empty canals. Root canal treatment entails drilling from the top of the tooth, this is accomplished by drilling it out with long drills known as files.

Endodontic treatment is another name for root canal treatment. This is due to the fact that it involves treating the inside of a tooth.

 

What are the RCT indications?

Several symptoms indicate whether or not an RCT is necessary:

• A loose tooth indicates a pulp infection.
• Pain when drinking or eating extremely hot or cold foods
• Pain when chewing or biting into foods
• A single tooth has become blackened.
• The swelling of the face
• Gum swelling in the vicinity of the infected tooth
• Pus oozing from the affected tooth

A contraindication is something that prevents someone from having root canal therapy. Contraindications, in this case, may include:

• A severe root infection that has yet to be treated
• Root Caries in Excess
• Root canal obstruction
• Root canal perforation
• The presence of any fractured instrument in the root canal

 

How is Root canal treatment carried out?

• The first step in RCT is to administer local anesthesia to the patient. Because it is a painful procedure, an anesthetic is required.
• After numbing the tooth, the endodontist places a "dental dam," a miniature covering over the area to isolate the tooth from any saliva that may come into contact with it during the procedure.
• The endodontist drills a hole in the crown of the tooth. The pulp is cleansed using small instruments, which are carefully handled so as not to break.
• Gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, is used by the endodontist to fill the root canals. This bio-compatible material is used to seal the root canals.
• A temporary filling is usually placed, which is then replaced by a permanent filing.
• Following the final visit, it is recommended that you see an endodontist to get the crown or filling.

 

Different types of Root canal treatment?

• RCT with a single sitting

It is a new advancement in the RCT method. It has made the RCT process painless and time-saving. It is an excellent option for patients who are short on time. The entire RCT procedure is completed in a single sitting, with an antibiotic that covers the entire procedure for the next few days.

• Several treatments RCT

The more traditional treatment entails multiple visits to the dentist over several days. It may be a slower process, but the procedure ensures greater care and attention from the endodontist.

 

What are the possible complications of Root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment complications could include:

• Because Root canal treatment teeth are not as strong as natural teeth, they are more likely to fracture in the future.
• The pain is usually felt for a few days after the root canal.
• Discoloration of the affected tooth is possible.
• Allergic reaction to the prescribed medications

 

What are the signs and symptoms of Root canal treatment failure?

A root canal has a very low failure rate. If an X-ray shows that the dark portion surrounding the affected tooth's root has decreased since the root canal, the symptoms are positive and point to healing. However, there are several indicators and symptoms of RCT failure.

These are some examples:

• The seal has deteriorated.
• The teeth are cracking.
• Pain
• Swelling of the gum that lies beneath the roots
• Increased mobility of teeth that have been treated
• Sinus pus presence

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should see your dentist right away. Re-treatment or extraction of the tooth may be considered on his advice.

 

Is a crown necessary after Root canal treatment?

Our teeth become more susceptible to fracture and brittleness as we age. This is precisely why teeth that have undergone RCT require a crown, so that the affected teeth can be shielded and protected from undue stress, contributing to their longevity.

 

How long does the Root canal treatment last? 

In most cases, the RCT's impact lasts a lifetime. This is true for 95% of people who have undergone RCT. The best way to maximize the impact of RCT is to have the crown or filling placed immediately following the RCT. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis is also recommended. If a cavity develops even after the RCT, the only way to detect it is if the tooth is fractured. Regular X-rays are also available.

 

What can I expect after an endodontic procedure?

The way a patient feels after endodontic treatment is determined by a specific problem and its severity. The majority of endodontic treatments are performed as outpatient procedures (patients go home soon after the procedure). a patient may experience minor discomfort following a root canal treatment. Some people are well enough to go back to work the next day.

For a few days following your procedure, the patient's mouth or the tooth may feel sore. More extensive surgery may result in more severe or prolonged discomfort. Dentists may prescribe medication to relieve pain, fight infection, or aid in the healing process.

Following a root canal, you may need to see your regular dentist. To fully protect and restore your repaired tooth, your provider may place a crown (metal or porcelain covering) on top of it. It's critical to follow your provider's instructions to ensure your tooth heals properly.

 

Conclusion 

A severe toothache can completely take over your life. Endodontics focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and periapical tissues. Endodontists (dental specialists) repair tissues inside the tooth in complex ways. They identify and treat complex causes of tooth pain, such as abscesses (infection). Endodontists perform root canal treatments and other pain-relieving procedures. They work to keep your natural tooth intact.