Endodontics: causes, treatment and possible risks

Our teeth are composed of soft tissue containing the nerves and blood vessels (pulp). Sometimes this pulp can become infected and inflamed therefore we must resort to a root canal.

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that studies the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp (nerve). This treatment is to remove, totally or partially, the tooth pulp and sealing the pulp canal. Thus, we managed to regenerate bone loss due to infection of pulp origin. In addition, endodontics allows us to keep teeth in the mouth that otherwise would have to be removed.

To perform endodontics is necessary to anesthetize the area on which will act (to ensure the success of treatment need it done in a completely aseptic). Later, we made an opening in the crown of the tooth to try to gain access to the duct where the central pulp is, remove it and cleaning up before performing the sealing and subsequent sealing thereof with a biocompatible material called gutta percha.

The main cause of this infection and inflammation is the presence of caries, although other factors that may cause an injury pulpitis or pulp. Trauma, abrasion, erosion and tooth wear by friction between them are other causes that directly affect the need for a root canal.

With regard to the risks, an endodontic tooth may darken and have a higher risk of fractures, as we have to keep in mind that 90% of teeth going through this treatment have large cavities or fractures, so the remaining healthy tooth structure is scarce.

Despite the risks, it has many advantages as keeping our natural teeth that would otherwise be extracted. In addition to avoiding the loss of bone that supports the tooth, as well as mobility and displacement of adjacent teeth. Treatment also eliminates dental infections and dental consequences as halitosis.