ENDODONTICS

Endodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the roots of the teeth.

The pulp is the tissue inside the tooth and contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When it develops inflammation or infection that cannot be reversed, root canal treatment may be required.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment aims to treat inflammation or infection inside the tooth and preserve the natural tooth whenever it can be successfully restored.

During treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed. The canals inside the roots are then carefully cleaned, disinfected and prepared.

Finally, the canals are filled and sealed with an appropriate material to reduce the risk of further contamination.

When may root canal treatment be required?

• The dental pulp may become inflamed or infected because of:
• Deep tooth decay;
• Dental fractures or cracks;
• Trauma;
• Extensive or repeated restorations;
• Dental infections or abscesses;
• Severe tooth wear.

Possible signs of a pulp problem include:

Spontaneous or severe toothache;

• Pain when chewing;
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that persists;
• Swelling or tenderness of the gum;
• Tooth discolouration;
• A small swelling or draining sinus on the gum.

Not every tooth requiring root canal treatment causes pain. In some cases, the problem is detected during a dental examination or on an X-ray.

How is the treatment performed?

Root canal treatment is generally carried out under local anaesthesia. After accessing the inside of the tooth, the dentist removes the affected pulp tissue and cleans, disinfects, shapes and fills the root canals.

Depending on the complexity of the case and the condition of the tooth, treatment may be completed in one or several appointments.

After root canal treatment, the tooth requires a definitive restoration. Depending on the amount of remaining tooth structure and the tooth’s location, a filling, reconstruction or crown may be recommended to protect it and restore chewing function.

Preserving the natural tooth

The main purpose of Endodontics is to allow the treated tooth to remain in the mouth, restore its function and avoid extraction whenever clinically possible.

However, not every tooth can be preserved. Extensive fractures, insufficient remaining tooth structure or significant loss of bone support may affect the prognosis. The decision always depends on a clinical and radiographic assessment.

A root-filled tooth still requires good oral hygiene, regular dental examinations and ongoing care of its protective restoration.

If you have toothache, prolonged sensitivity or discomfort when chewing, book an Endodontic assessment at Wave Dental in Coimbra, Juncal or Valado dos Frades, in the municipality of Nazaré.