Endodontics

What Is a Root Canal?

Endodontics is a dental specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. The term 'root canal' commonly refers to the procedure used to treat these issues.

What Is It For?

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is used to:

Relieve Pain: One of the primary goals of a root canal is to eliminate the intense pain caused by inflammation or infection of the dental pulp.

Preserve the Tooth: Instead of extracting the affected tooth, endodontics allows it to be saved and restored to full functionality.

Eliminate Infection: The root canal removes infected or necrotic tissue inside the tooth, preventing the spread of bacteria to surrounding tissues.

Prevent Complications: A timely root canal helps avoid abscesses, bone loss, and the need for more complex and costly treatments in the future.

Procedure

1. Diagnosis and Radiography: The dentist performs a clinical examination and takes X-rays to assess the extent of damage.

2. Local Anesthesia: The area is anesthetized to ensure the procedure is pain-free.

3. Access and Cleaning: An opening is made in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected or damaged tissue is removed, and the canals are cleaned and disinfected.

4. Shaping and Filling: The root canals are shaped with specialized instruments and filled with biocompatible material (usually gutta-percha).

5. Sealing and Restoration: The access cavity is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. Often, a crown is placed to restore the tooth's strength and aesthetics.

Benefits

Root canal treatment has high success rates and can last many years with proper care.

It eliminates pain, preserves natural teeth, restores function, and prevents more serious complications.

Conclusion

A root canal is a safe and effective solution for treating infections and damage within the tooth. Thanks to modern techniques and technology, the procedure is now more comfortable and efficient, helping patients preserve their natural smile.radica en su capacidad para prevenir infecciones y mantener la salud dental a largo plazo. En resumen, la endodoncia no solo salva dientes, sino que también contribuye a la salud general del paciente, mejorando su calidad de vida.