About endodontics
Endodontists are dental specialists who undergo considerable additional training beyond general dentistry to become experts in diagnosing and treating complex cases.
What is endodontics?
The focus of endodontics is on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental pulp diseases and conditions. Endodontic or root canal treatment is a dental procedure performed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. The term "endodontic" comes from the Greek words "endo" (inside) and "odont" (tooth), indicating that the procedure deals with the inside of the tooth. The tooth's interior contains soft tissue called dental pulp, which comprises nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks, chips, or trauma, it can lead to severe tooth pain and, if left untreated, can result in the formation of abscesses and potential tooth loss. Endodontics is an essential field in dentistry that helps save teeth from extraction and allows patients to maintain healthy smiles and proper dental function.
Root canal treatment
The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove the infected or damaged dental pulp, clean and shape the root canal system, and then seal it to prevent further infection. During a root canal procedure, the infected or damaged pulp is removed, and the root canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The canals are then filled with a biocompatible material, and the tooth is usually restored with a crown or filling to protect it and restore its function. Root canal treatment has a high success rate, up to 90 per cent. The procedure can relieve severe tooth pain and save the natural tooth from extraction, allowing patients to maintain their oral health and smile.
Re-treatment of previous root canals
If a tooth that has had a previous root canal treatment develops issues again, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist to retreat or assess the problem. The success rate of root canal treatment is generally very high, up to 90 per cent success rate. However, the success of the treatment can vary depending on various factors, including the tooth's location, the complexity of the root canal system, the experience of the dentist or endodontist performing the procedure, and the patient's overall oral health. Factors that can influence the success of root canal treatment include: 1. Adequate cleaning and shaping of the root canals to remove all infected or inflamed tissue. 2. Effective sealing of the canals to prevent reinfection. 3. Proper restoration of the tooth with a filling or dental crown after the root canal procedure. 4. The patient's commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. If a root canal treatment fails or develops complications over time, it may be possible to retreat the tooth. In some cases, alternative treatments like endodontic surgery or tooth extraction may be considered.
Endodontic surgery
In the majority of cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can last a lifetime without the need for further endodontic treatment. However, on rare occasions, a tooth may not heal or may become infected months or even years after successful treatment. In these cases, surgery may help save the tooth. The most common is surgical procedure to save a tooth is called apicoectomy or root-end resection.