All about endodontics

What does endodontics mean?

Endodontics – comes from the Greek “endo” (inside) and “odont” (tooth), meaning “inside the tooth”. Endodontic dental problems result in any situation where the inside of the tooth has undergone changes. When dental conditions are left untreated for a long time, they end up affecting the dental pulp which contains the nerve tissue and complications arise.

In the 1930s, the modern concept of root canal treatment began to develop, along with the evolution of radiology, anesthesia and anesthetics used, and dental treatment procedures. The concepts of disinfection and sterilization of root canals were late in appearing and took shape gradually, with each new case appearing and treated, the 1970s truly representing the beginning of the modernization of endodontics.

Tooth anatomy

Because everything happens inside when it comes to endodontics, the endodontist's work surface is not visible. To fully understand what an endodontist does, one should first understand the anatomy of the tooth.

From the outside, you can see the hard enamel layer. This is the white part that is cleaned and polished when teeth are brushed. Just below the enamel is another hard layer called dentin. Beneath the dentin is the tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves, which help with growth and development. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected, then endodontic treatment should be considered, especially if you want to avoid pain or tooth loss.

Dental procedures in endodontics

1. Root canal treatment : The main focus in endodontics is root canal treatment. The mention of the procedure tends to raise alarm bells, as most people assume it will be very painful. However, although the description of the procedure itself may seem a bit scary, it is a very simple and safe treatment. Thanks to advances in technique and technology, you should not feel anything when the dentist is working. A fully developed tooth can survive well without a pulp, but it must be rebuilt to maintain strength. The empty canal is filled with a medicinal material called gutta-percha and, depending on each clinical case, is later completed with a dental crown to maintain its shape and function.

2. Traumatic dental injuries : In some cases, root canal treatment can also help restore structure without losing the entire tooth. If a tooth develops a crack, the pulp can be exposed to bacteria and cause pain when the patient breathes through their mouth or drinks cold liquids. 

3. Apical resection : There is always a chance that a nonsurgical root canal procedure will not be enough to save the tooth. In these cases, the endodontist will recommend surgery, which will require the attention of an endodontist. An apical resection is performed when the infection persists even after standard root canal treatment. A root end resection is done when the infection has spread to the bone around the tooth. Sometimes, the root end is also removed. A small filling is then added to seal the tooth root where it was removed, and it is then closed. It will take several months to heal completely and there may be some discomfort for a few days, but most patients are pain-free and can return to normal activity the next day.

4. Complex surgeries: There are other surgeries that an endodontist can perform to save the tooth. Sometimes, root removal is effective, and in very complex cases, intentional replantation will be successful. 

Advantages of endodontic treatments

In endodontics, the emphasis is on diagnosing tooth pain, as well as performing state-of-the-art treatments that save even the most complicated cases that might otherwise require extractions.

The endodontist has extensive experience and training to perform complex procedures and surgeries involving the pulp chamber. He is also skilled in diagnosing difficult cases of oral and facial pain. Narrowed teeth and blocked or unusually positioned canals require advanced technology and experience to be successfully treated under a microscope.

As advanced tooth replacement options have become more accessible, it is always better to keep your natural teeth whenever possible. Each tooth is uniquely designed for the human body and will help maintain a healthy bite.