Endodontics, popularly known as Devitalization, is the branch of Dentistry that deals with injuries and diseases of the pulp (known as the “nerve”) and the root of the tooth.
What is Dental Pulp?
The dental pulp, consisting of blood vessels and nerves, is located inside the tooth and is surrounded by hard tissue (dentin), being responsible for nutrition and sensitivity in the teeth. Dental pulp injuries can arise due to trauma, fractures and deep caries.
What are the most frequent symptoms?
- Discomfort when touching and chewing
- Prolonged tooth sensitivity to cold and/or heat
- Spontaneous pain
- Abscess or fistula
How is endodontic treatment (“devitalization”) performed?
The treatment starts with the administration of local anesthesia and is always carried out with absolute isolation of the tooth to be treated, using a rubber dam. The clinical procedure consists of opening an access to the tooth and removing the pulp that is in the tooth canal, which may be alive, inflamed or necrotic (dead). After removing these tissues, the canal is disinfected, followed by the sealing of this space with a biocompatible material that completely fills the canal.
How long does endodontic treatment (“devitalization”) take?
The duration of treatment depends on several factors, so when it is not possible to carry out the complete treatment in a single consultation, a temporary restoration is placed in the access opening, with the aim of protecting the tooth between consultations.
Why is endodontic treatment (“devitalization”) so important?
Endodontic treatment, in addition to eliminating a pathology, allows restoring the function of the tooth when combined with adequate rehabilitation of the injured tooth. It is known that a tooth with endodontic treatment can become fragile and more susceptible to fractures because it has less hard tissue (enamel and dentin) than teeth without this procedure. This is an important aspect in the decision to place a crown or make a restoration after endodontic treatment.
To determine the success or failure of endodontic treatment, radiographs are taken before and after treatment in order to compare and visualize the evolution of bone regeneration.
Is endodontic treatment (“devitalization”) painful?
Currently, endodontic treatment is performed under local anesthesia and is not a painful procedure. However, there are situations of infection or severe inflammation, which must be previously/subsequently controlled with medication to control possible pain.
Can I have cavities in an already treated tooth?
An endodontically treated and rehabilitated tooth can last for many years with the correct care. However, tooth decay can still occur in the treated tooth, so good oral hygiene and regular checkups are essential to prevent problems.
Can we have to retract a tooth that has already been endodontically treated (“devitalized”)?
Yes, sometimes teeth that have already been root canal can, for different reasons, present pain or some type of infection. In these situations it is possible to retract the tooth, through specific protocols that allow the infection to be resolved.