Article
Endodontics – the science of specialized diagnosis and treatment of tooth pulp
04-Jul-2007
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.
