What is endodontics?

Endodontics is a treatment for severely decayed or infected teeth caused by part of the tooth's nerve. The treatment consists of repairing and saving the teeth by removing the dental pulp, and then cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth. The dental pulp is the tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Performing endodontic treatment on teeth in this state heals infected teeth and abscesses, which are infections characterized by inflammation and accumulation of pus. It is also necessary when the teeth have already reached this point. The causes for these infections can be cavities, cracks or fractures, or repetitive dental procedures on the teeth. Some of the most common symptoms that may suggest the need for a root canal are: Pain Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold Sensitivity to chewing and touch Gum swelling and discoloration Also, in some cases, the patient may have no symptoms. The pulp is necessary during the growth and development of the teeth. Once the tooth is mature, it can survive without it, thanks to the surrounding tissues. For its part, the nerve is not important for the health of the tooth, so not having it will not affect its daily function. What types of endodontics are there? To classify root canals, it is important to note that not all teeth have the same number of roots or root canals. The roots of the teeth are where these root canals are found. Each tooth has at least one, but teeth often have several. Depending on the teeth to be treated, root canals are classified as single-rooted, double-rooted, and multi-rooted. Single root canals They are endodontic procedures that are performed on teeth with a single root canal. Teeth such as the central and lateral incisors, the lower first and second premolars, and the upper and lower canines usually have only one root and therefore one root canal. Bi-root root canals They are the procedures that are performed on teeth with two root canals. Teeth like the upper second premolars usually have two root canals, even if they only have one root. Multiradicular root canals They are the root canals performed on those teeth that have three or more root canals. The upper and lower molars usually have four root canals, since they usually have two canals in their mesial root. Although most teeth tend to have the number of root canals described in each of the types, all teeth can have anatomical variations. The dentist must be the one who locates and treats all root canals to ensure a successful endodontic treatment.