Endodontics

Endodontics

Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)

Endodontics addresses infections of the dental pulp through root canal treatments. This process involves removing the infected pulp, disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them to save the tooth, relieve pain, and restore dental function.


Following endodontic treatment, it is often necessary to place a post and dental crown to ensure the long-term structural stability of the tooth.

Un collage de trois photos des dents d'une personne montrant différents stades de carie dentaire.

Comprehensive Guide to Endodontics

  • Why Choose Endodontic Treatment?

    Endodontic treatment is essential for:


    Saving Natural Teeth: Preserves your teeth in cases of deep infection or damage.


    Pain Relief: Eliminates pain caused by dental pulp infections.


    Sensitivity Relief: Reduces dental sensitivity by addressing the underlying causes of discomfort.


    Avoiding Extraction: Treats the infection at its source, preventing tooth extraction.


    Restoring Function: Restores normal chewing ability and the aesthetics of your smile.


  • Symptoms Requiring Endodontic Treatment

    Endodontic treatment may be necessary if you experience:


    Persistent Pain: Sharp or throbbing pain in a tooth.


    Severe Sensitivity: Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.


    Swelling and Inflammation: Swelling in the gums or face around the affected tooth.


    Color Changes: Discoloration or darkening of a tooth.


    Visible Infection: Abscess or pus around the tooth.

  • Benefits of Endodontic Treatment

    Preservation of Natural Teeth: Saves the damaged tooth, preventing extraction.


    Pain Relief: Eliminates pain associated with dental pulp infections.


    Restoration of Function: Restores normal chewing ability.


    Prevention of Complications: Stops the infection from spreading to other teeth.


    Aesthetic Conservation: Maintains smile integrity by preserving the natural tooth.

  • Prognosis for Severely Infected or Damaged Teeth

    When a tooth requires endodontic treatment and is severely infected or damaged, it typically means that the tooth’s structure or surrounding tissues are significantly compromised.


    Even after a root canal, the long-term prognosis may be uncertain, especially if the infection is extensive or the tooth has sustained severe structural damage.


    A success rate prediction of 50% to 70% over five years suggests that despite efforts to save the tooth, there is an equal chance it may fail due to complications such as:


    • reinfection,
    • tooth fracture,
    • bone resorption,
    • or difficulty in effectively sealing the root canal.

    Dentists may recommend endodontic treatment in hopes of saving the tooth, but this prognosis often warrants close monitoring over time and may lead to considering alternative solutions (such as extraction and replacement with an implant) if the condition does not improve.

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