Endodontics

It is a specialist sub-field of dentistry that deals with the tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. In case of any alteration such as cavities, dental factures, occlusal trauma, endo-periodontal lesions, necessity of prosthesis and other endodontic conditions, the endodontic treatment (root canal) is required. This is necessary so that the tooth is not lost and the health of periapical tissues is kept up.

Endodontics is a specialization within dentistry whose role is to prevent and cure diseases of the dental pulp. In case of diseases the treatment consists of removing this soft tissue (pulp) and replace it with obturator material.

Besides the root canal treatment, endodontics can also bring pulp tissues back to normality through curettage, pulpotomy, pulpectomy or surgery.

When a tooth requires an endodontical treatment and is not treated, the root and nearby tissues get infected and bacteria are released into the bloodstream. This might cause pain, swelling, pus and fever. As a consequence the tooth has to be extracted.