Endodontics, otherwise known as a root canal, is a process used to remove part or all of a tooth’s pulp. After the pulp is removed, they will seal the pulp canal with filling material. Dental pulp is the deepest part of a tooth and is made up of soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. The conduit portion located inside the crown is called the pulp cavity while the area corresponding to the root is called the reticular conduit, which is connected to the jawbone.
The most common cause of infection and resulting inflammation is necrosis of the pulp, and therefore, the need for endodontics therapy is great. The occurrence of decay is also normal in this instance, although other factors may cause pulpitis:
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Trauma.
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Abrasion, erosion and tooth wear by friction between them.
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The way some restorative treatments and materials are used.
When performing endodontic therapy, it is necessary to anesthetize the area. Subsequently, a hole is made in the crown of the tooth so the dentist can access and remove the pulp and proceed to duct cleaning prior to sealing the tooth with specific materials. At the end of the operation, the tooth will be fully numbed and isolated from any other part of the body. Subsequent monitoring will be necessary to verify the effectiveness of the root canal.
Pulpitis is defined as an inflammatory process that affects the tooth pulp (the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels), resulting from:
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Caries.
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Infections.
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Fractures of the crown or tooth root.
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The action of some materials (resins, cement, etc.) used in dental treatments.
Pulpitis may be reversible, its main symptom localized pain that increases with touch and that should be enough reason to visit the dentist because if left untreated the issue can become chronic and that tissue cannot be recovered. In this case performing a root canal will be necessary, removing pulp tissue. If the pain is chronic, pulpitis occurs with varying intensity especially when chewing, but considerably intensifies with cold and heat. If the pulpitis is not treated and is maintained over time, it is normal that sooner or later the pulp dies.
