Endodontics is the branch of dentistry dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the tooth root. Thanks to modern techniques and advanced technology, it is often possible to save severely damaged teeth by eliminating pain and infection, helping to avoid extraction whenever possible.
Endodontic treatment, commonly known as a root canal treatment, involves removing the inflamed or infected dental pulp, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then sealing them with biocompatible materials. The goal is to preserve the natural tooth by restoring its health, function, and long-term stability.
After administering local anaesthesia, a small opening is made in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and remove the inflamed or infected tissue responsible for the pain.
The root canals are carefully shaped, cleaned, and disinfected using advanced endodontic instruments and specialised irrigating solutions to eliminate bacteria and help prevent future infections.
The root canals are then sealed with biocompatible materials to prevent bacterial recontamination and ensure the long-term success and stability of the treatment.
The tooth is then restored with a direct restoration or, when necessary, protected with an inlay, onlay, or dental crown to restore its strength, function, and natural appearance.
Following root canal treatment, the tooth is rebuilt using adhesive restorative materials. When only a limited amount of tooth structure has been lost, it can often be restored with a ceramic or composite inlay or onlay. In cases of more extensive damage, a dental crown may be recommended to protect the tooth over the long term while restoring its strength, function, and appearance.
When tooth decay reaches the dental pulp, causing inflammation or infection, root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue, eliminates the infection, and helps preserve the natural tooth.
In cases of dental infections, periapical lesions, or abscesses of endodontic origin, root canal treatment removes bacteria from the root canals and promotes healing of the surrounding tissues.
Following dental trauma or fractures that compromise the vitality of the tooth, root canal treatment can preserve the natural tooth and, whenever possible, help avoid extraction.
Root canal treatment allows the natural tooth to be preserved, avoiding extraction whenever the root remains healthy and restorable while maintaining the stability and balance of your natural dentition.
By removing the inflamed or infected dental pulp, root canal treatment relieves the pain caused by pulpitis, abscesses, and dental infections, providing rapid relief and improving patient comfort.
Once the final restoration has been completed, the treated tooth can function normally again, restoring efficient chewing, long-term stability, and a natural-looking appearance.
Below you'll find answers to some of the questions our patients ask most frequently about professional dental hygiene. If you have any further questions, we'll be delighted to discuss them with you during your appointment.
Root canal treatment is recommended when the dental pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep tooth decay, dental trauma, or a fracture. The procedure eliminates the infection, relieves pain, and helps preserve the natural tooth.
No. Thanks to modern local anaesthesia techniques, root canal treatment is generally a comfortable and pain-free procedure. You should not feel pain during the treatment, and any mild discomfort afterwards is usually temporary and resolves within a few days.
Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is always the best option. Root canal treatment allows the tooth to retain its function and appearance, avoiding extraction and the need to replace it with a dental implant or bridge.
A root canal treated tooth can last for many years, and often for a lifetime, provided it is properly restored and maintained with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
Not always. Whether a dental crown is needed depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains. If the tooth has been extensively damaged, a crown or an inlay/onlay may be recommended to strengthen and protect it against fracture, helping to ensure its long-term durability.
The number of appointments depends on the complexity of the case and the number of root canals involved. In many cases, root canal treatment can be completed in a single visit. More complex cases, however, may require two or more appointments.