Endodontics is the department of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp. The dental pulp contains the blood supply and nerve supply to the teeth. The dental pulp needs treatment in case it is infected or dead. The main reason for the infection is tooth decay. Other reasons are gum infections, trauma, fracture, tooth grinding habits, and more.
If the dental pulp is irritated mildly, the patient complains of mild pain when they eat anything hot or cold, and the pain goes away if they stop eating. In this condition, the dental pulp can be brought back to its original form. If the pulp is infected severely, the patient will have continuous pain, especially when they are sleeping. In that case, the pulp has to be removed and filled with material.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is used to treat a severely infected tooth. For this, the dentist usually starts by removing the tooth decay and then makes a small hole to reach the pulp (the nerve of the tooth). Once the pulp is reached, a series of small syringe-like instruments called dental files are placed in the hole to remove the pulp, and disinfectants are used to clean the hole. The area is then filled with cement and a dental crown is placed over the tooth.
Dental Filling
The tooth has 3 layers — enamel, dentin, and pulp. If the tooth decay is in the enamel or dentin layer, a simple filling can be done to prevent further damage. There are various types of filling available depending on the area of tooth decay. Visit your dentist at the earliest before the decay enters deeper layers.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are artificial caps that cover the visible part of the teeth. These are usually suggested for discolored teeth and mild fracture of the tooth tip to improve aesthetics and prevent further damage. For this, the dentist grinds the enamel minimally and makes a mold of your teeth. This is sent to the lab, and the technician designs the veneer. The dentist then cements the veneer to the patient's teeth.
Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery is done when the tooth continues to get infected even after root canal treatment and filling. Usually, endodontic surgery is done if the root canal treatment fails, if there is any breakage of the instrument, or if the decay is present in the root. The most common endodontic surgeries are reimplantation, hemisection, apicoectomy, and retrograde filling.
Lasers in Endodontics
Lasers are one of the most important advancements in endodontics, which have changed the techniques of various treatments. The advantages of using a laser include comfort during and after the treatment, reduced need for anesthesia, and minimal bleeding. Lasers can be used to perform root canal treatment, tooth preparation, endosurgery, and for testing the health of the pulp.
Microscope in Endodontics
Microscopes are the latest equipment used in endodontics. These help the dentist to see even the smallest details of the patient's tooth. It is proven that treatments done under the microscope are more successful compared to those done without one. It mainly helps in finding hidden canals where the pulp is present. It also helps to remove any broken instruments and reduces the amount of tooth grinding done during treatment.
Related Services
- Dentures & Prosthodontics — crowns and caps after root canal treatment
- Periodontics — treating gum infections that can affect the pulp
- Pediatric Dentistry — pulp treatment for children's teeth