Endodontics is a dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries that affect the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the roots of the teeth. Here's an overview of endodontic treatment:

1. Root Canal Therapy:

   • Root canal therapy is the most common endodontic procedure and involves removing infected or inflamed dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) from the tooth's interior chamber and root canals.
   • The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped using specialized instruments to remove bacteria, debris, and damaged tissue.
   • After cleaning, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent recontamination.
   • A dental crown is often placed on the treated tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance.

2. Apicoectomy:

   • Apicoectomy, also known as root-end resection, is a surgical endodontic procedure performed when root canal therapy alone is insufficient to resolve infection or inflammation.
   • During the procedure, the tip of the tooth's root is surgically removed along with any infected or inflamed tissue, and the root end is sealed with a filling material to prevent further infection.

3. Endodontic Retreatment:

   • Endodontic retreatment is performed when a previously treated tooth develops new infection, inflammation, or persistent symptoms.
   • The existing root canal filling material is removed, and the canals are re-cleaned, disinfected, and filled to eliminate the source of infection and alleviate symptoms.

4. Treatment of Dental Trauma:

   • Endodontists are trained to manage dental trauma, including fractured or avulsed (knocked-out) teeth, which may involve procedures such as splinting, repositioning, and root canal therapy to preserve the affected teeth.

5. Diagnosis and Treatment of Dental Pain:

   • Endodontists specialize in diagnosing the source of dental pain, which may include conditions such as pulpitis (inflammation of the dental pulp), dental abscesses, and cracked teeth.
   • Treatment options may include root canal therapy, medication, or referral to other dental or medical specialists as needed.

6. Endodontic Surgery:

   • In addition to apicoectomy, endodontists may perform other surgical procedures such as hemisection (removal of one root of a multi-rooted tooth) or intentional replantation (removal and reinsertion of a tooth) in select cases.

Endodontic treatment aims to save natural teeth from extraction by addressing the underlying causes of infection, inflammation, and dental pain. It allows patients to retain their natural dentition and restore oral health and function effectively. Regular dental check-ups and prompt treatment of dental problems can help prevent the need for endodontic treatment and maintain optimal oral health.