Endodontics

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that diagnoses and treats conditions affecting inside the tooth, for example periodontitis.

The most popular procedure is root canal treatment which has around a 90% success rate.

Inside a tooth is soft tissue or the pulp which is home to blood vessels and nerves. It also contains the pulp chamber and root canals as well. The pulp is vital for the normal function of the tooth but it can become damaged or decayed which requires treatment to save it and prevent an extraction.

REASONS FOR ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

The most common reason is an infection within the root canal, caused by advanced tooth decay, which destroys soft tissue in the pulp. If this is allowed to continue it causes the tooth to die which then has to be removed. Endodontic treatment is designed to prevent that and restore the tooth to full working order.

Other reasons for this treatment are:

  • Periodontitis
  • Fracture of the tooth
  • Injury to the mouth which has affected the teeth

But severe tooth decay still accounts for the majority of cases.

Root canal treatment involves the removal of infected tissue and bacteria followed by cleaning and disinfecting out the root canal. The root canal is then filled and closed.

Find out more about this treatment in the root canal problem section.