Endodontics is a
specialty of dentistry which deals with the inner aspects of teeth i.e. the
tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. As the pulp,
comprising of the nerves, arteries and tissues, can become injured or diseased.
Once damaged, it cannot repair itself. It then becomes necessary to remove or
scrape of the dead tissue lying inside the tooth. This is done with the help of
Endodontic treatment.
Endodontic therapy or root canal treatment as it is commonly called
helps in saving teeth and restoring the dental health of the individual. In
earlier days, a tooth with a diseased nerve had to be extracted but today, with
special dental procedures, it can be saved.
When the pulp is
diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. There is a need to remove the
infected pulp inside. If not done on time, it may result in the tooth infection
and infection of the bones surrounding the root of the teeth. It can eventually
affect the jaw line. A dentist can remove the pulp, clean the area and seal it
off using an inert material, to protect it. Once done, the dentist places a
crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.