Endodontics
Endodontology deals with the disease of the endodont, i.e. the part of the tooth that is hidden under the enamel and dentin coat inside, the so-called dental pulp. This tissue consists of a multitude of fine nerve and blood vessels that run in a small canal system from the tooth crown to the root tip.
Caries or an accident can cause damage to this normally intact system. Bacterial inflammation can be the result.
But what to do?
Since the root canal-treated tooth is usually at extreme risk of fracture due to its extensive structure and large filling surfaces, the tooth should be restored prosthetically for long-term success. Whether a partial crown or crown is indicated must be discussed and planned individually.
This type of treatment makes it possible to preserve teeth that are already crowned and are an important part of a dental prosthesis.
A frequent complication is periodontitis apicalis, which can develop into a chronic infection. This risk can be reduced by thorough cleaning of the root canal system.
If an infection has already occurred at the root tip as a result of root canal treatment, alternatives to tooth preservation must be discussed. In individual cases, a revision may make sense.