Endodontics
Endodontics
Endodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the inner structures of the tooth, including the pulp, nerves, and tissues. Endodontists receive advanced training to perform procedures like root canal therapy, which aims to save teeth with damaged nerves. Instead of extracting the tooth, they remove the damaged tissue and seal it with a crown, restoring its function and integrity.
Cracked Tooth
Cracked and fractured teeth are common dental issues often caused by biting hard objects, trauma, or grinding. Symptoms can include unexplained pain, temperature sensitivity, and difficulty locating the source of pain.
Types of Cracks:
- Crazes: Small surface cracks, typically cosmetic.
- Oblique supragingival cracks: Affect the crown and are usually painless.
- Oblique subgingival cracks: Extend below the gum line and may require surgery and endodontic treatment.
- Vertical furcation cracks: Involve the roots and are often treated with root canal therapy and a crown.
- Oblique root cracks: Located below the gum line, often necessitating extraction.
- Vertical apical root cracks: Affect the root tip and usually require extraction after root canal therapy.
Treatment options vary based on the severity of the crack, ranging from cosmetic repairs to root canal therapy or extraction, with restorative solutions such as implants or bridges available as needed.
Root Canal Retreatment
Root canal retreatment is necessary when a previous root canal fails. The procedure involves removing the crown and filling material, cleaning the root canals, repacking them, and recrowning the tooth. While similar to the original root canal, it includes additional structural removal. The success rate is approximately 75%.
Reasons for Retreating:
- Cracked crowns
- Untreated narrow canals
- New decay or fractures
- Saliva contamination
- Procedure Steps:
Administer local anesthetic and isolate the tooth.
Remove the crown, filling, and any blockages.
Clean and reshape the canals using ultrasonic tools.
Repack the canals with gutta-percha and place a temporary crown.
A permanent crown will be placed later.
Retreatment is typically quicker and more cost-effective than extraction or implants.