Endodontics
Endodontics focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the dental pulp and root canals. When a tooth is damaged by deep decay, trauma, or infection, root canal treatment may be performed to remove the affected tissue, clean and disinfect the root canals, and seal them. The aim is to preserve the natural tooth and maintain its function whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Root canal treatment is performed when the soft tissue inside the tooth, known as the dental pulp, becomes infected or irreversibly damaged. During treatment, the infected tissue is removed, the root canals are cleaned and disinfected, and then filled with appropriate materials to help preserve the natural tooth.
The dental pulp can become damaged due to deep decay, trauma, cracks, or fractures. Persistent or spontaneous toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, pain while chewing, swelling, or an abscess may indicate the need for root canal treatment. A definitive diagnosis is made after a clinical and radiographic examination.
The area is numbed with local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is not painful. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and is usually easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
This varies depending on the tooth's condition and the extent of infection, but root canal treatment is typically completed in 1-2 sessions. More complex cases may require additional visits.
If the infected pulp is left untreated, the infection can spread to the jawbone, an abscess may form, and the tooth may eventually need to be extracted. Root canal treatment is the most effective way to save the natural tooth.
Mild tenderness or discomfort, particularly while chewing, may occur for a few days after root canal treatment. This is usually part of the normal healing process and gradually subsides. However, severe or increasing pain, significant swelling, or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by your dentist.