Endodontics commonly involves the procedure known as root canal treatment. Root canal treatment is the removal of the tooth’s nerves in the event they become inflamed or infected, which can happen due to deep decay or an extensive restoration. There are numerous reasons to need Root canal treatment, such as a cracked or fractured tooth, excessive wear of enamel or dentine leading to exposure of the nerves, extensive restoration that involves the pulp, or as a result of severe gum disease.

A tooth is made up of hard, white enamel and a thicker dentine layer; both layers protect the innermost soft tissues of the tooth called the pulp. The dental pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that extend from the crown to the tips of the root or roots. Root canal treatment is the removal of the pulp tissues from the tooth due to infection or inflammation.

Signs of pulp damage may include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, tenderness of the overlying gums, or a bad taste in the mouth. However, in some instances, there are no symptoms at all. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain, swelling, and loss of the supporting bone.

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What Are the Advantages of Treatment?

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Root canal treatment saves teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. After root canal treatment, the tooth is pulp-less, i.e., it has no vital tissues within.

However, there are vital tissues surrounding the root (e.g, the gum, periodontal membrane and bone). Since these are alive and healthy, the tooth will also stay healthy.