Endodontics
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in this field. Common treatments provided by endodontists include root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, and surgery to treat injured or diseased dental pulp.
What is Endodontics?
Root canal therapy is a common endodontic treatment that is used to remove infected or damaged dental pulp from inside the tooth. After the infected tissue is removed, the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection. Endodontic retreatment is similar to root canal therapy, but is used when a previous root canal treatment has failed or the tooth becomes re-infected.
Endodontic surgery is used to treat more complex cases of infected or damaged dental pulp. This may involve removing the infected tissue, repairing damaged tooth structures, or removing part or all of the tooth. Endodontic surgery can help save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
Overall, endodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp. Endodontists are trained to provide a range of treatments to help save teeth and prevent tooth loss.
What Does Endodontic Treatment Do?
The goal of endodontic treatment is to remove the infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth, while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. This is typically done by making a small hole in the top of the tooth, removing the infected tissue, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and then sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. After the endodontic treatment is complete, the tooth may need to be restored with a filling or crown to protect it and restore its function.
Endodontic treatment can be used to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. It can also help relieve pain and discomfort caused by infected or damaged dental pulp. If you are experiencing tooth pain or other symptoms of an infected or damaged tooth, it is important to see a dentist or endodontist for evaluation and treatment.