Endodontics

Endodontics is a category within dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. The dental pulp is the soft, inner part of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues.

Endodontists are dental specialists who specialize in performing root canal treatments and other procedures related to the dental pulp and root canal system. They have advanced training and expertise in treating complex cases involving infected or damaged dental pulp.

The primary procedure associated with endodontics is root canal treatment, which involves removing the infected or damaged dental pulp from the tooth’s root canal system, disinfecting it, and filling it with a biocompatible material. This helps to save the tooth and alleviate pain or discomfort caused by dental infections or inflammations.

In addition to root canal treatment, endodontics may involve other procedures such as endodontic retreatment (repeating a root canal procedure), endodontic surgery (apicoectomy or root-end resection), and treatment of dental trauma affecting the dental pulp.

Endodontic treatment aims to save natural teeth and maintain their function in the mouth. It helps to alleviate pain, eliminate infection, and prevent the need for tooth extraction. However, in cases where saving the tooth is not feasible, endodontists may work in collaboration with other dental specialists to explore tooth replacement options such as dental implants or bridges.

It’s important to note that while general dentists can also perform root canal treatment, complex cases or challenging situations are often referred to an endodontist for specialized care. Endodontics plays a crucial role in preserving natural teeth and promoting overall oral health.