Endodontics

This branch of dentistry aims to treat pulp problems that may appear in a tooth (commonly called the “nerve of the tooth”).

Endodontic treatment, mainly, may be necessary in the following situations:

• A cavity that has reached the pulp or has produced necrosis of the pulp.
• A tooth that, due to trauma, suffers pulp problems.

This treatment does not consist in ‘killing the nerve’ but in disinfecting the canal system inside the tooth and its main objective is to maintain it, being the alternative to extraction.

Under local anesthesia, access is gained to this system (main canals, secondary canals, plexuses, isthmus…), the affected tissue is disinfected and eliminated and after this, a sealing material is placed to keep the space isolated to prevent bacterial recolonization.

When the tooth is devitalized, in addition to the amount of structure lost due to caries or trauma, it is weakened, so it may be necessary to use reinforcement posts, inlays or crowns to rehabilitate the tooth. The ideal option will be evaluated by the specialist.

The endodontic tooth, not having the pain mechanism by which a tooth would alert of a problem, requires periodic check-ups along with the rest of the mouth, good hygiene and avoidance of very hard foods.