What is endodontics: root canal treatment and devitalization
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the treatment of the dental pulp, the tissue inside the tooth that includes nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue, and the tissues surrounding the tooth. This treatment, also known as root canal therapy or devitalization, is necessary when the pulp or nerve tissue becomes inflamed or infected. During root canal treatment, the dentist removes the damaged pulp, fills the canal with a suitable filling, and seals the root with gutta-percha, a thermoplastic rubber.
The treatment is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring a painless experience for the patient. Without this procedure, infection can cause acute pain and abscess formation.
How devitalization treatment is carried out
Devitalization treatment begins with a precise diagnosis by a trained endodontist. After taking radiographs of the dental arch to assess inflammation and determine the treatment plan, the dentist proceeds with local anesthesia to ensure a painless experience. Latex pads are then placed to isolate the tooth and keep the area dry.
The endodontist removes infected pulp tissue and thoroughly cleans the root canals. Next, each canal is filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material, and filling cement. In the first session, the tooth is closed with a temporary filling. During the second session, the tooth is permanently sealed with a permanent filling or an artificial dental crown, protecting it for the long term.
When root canal treatment is needed
There are several symptoms that let you know when you need root canal treatment to your teeth:
- Formation of an abscess at the root of the tooth
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold substances
- severe pain, continuous or during chewing
- tooth breakage
When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, bacteria multiply in the pulp chamber and create an infection or abscess, a pus-filled sac that forms at the root of the tooth along with the dying pulp. As the infection progresses, the pain and swelling can spread to other parts of the face. Once the infection has been removed by root canal treatment, the restored tooth can chew normally. However, it is important to pay attention to oral hygiene after root canal treatment.
