Endodontinen

Endodontinen, or endodontic care, is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. The main goal is to diagnose and treat pulp and periapical diseases, relieve pain, and preserve natural teeth that would otherwise require extraction. Common indications include irreversible pulpitis, pulpal necrosis, and apical periodontitis.

Root canal therapy is the principal procedure. It involves removing diseased or infected pulp tissue, disinfecting the canal space, shaping the canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection. In primary teeth, pulpotomy or pulpectomy may be performed to maintain tooth function. Re-treatment may be necessary if a prior endodontic work fails.

Diagnosis relies on patient history, clinical tests (thermal, electric pulp testing, percussion and palpation), and radiographic imaging. Advanced imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) may be used for complex cases. Prognosis depends on the extent of disease, anatomical factors, and timely treatment.

Techniques employ sterile techniques, mechanical instrumentation with nickel-titanium files, irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and chelating agents, and obturation with gutta-percha and sealer. Modern practice may utilize apex locators to determine working length and advanced materials such as bioceramic sealers and MTA.

Endodontic care may be provided by general dentists or endodontists. Surgical endodontics, including apicoectomy, can address persistent infection. Regenerative endodontics aims to recover pulp vitality in immature teeth. The field continues to evolve with improvements in imaging, instrumentation, and biomaterials.