overview of endodontics

• Endodontics


  A branch of Dentistry concerned with the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human pulp and periradicular tissues
• Endodontic Therapy


  • Deals with pulpal diseases and periradicular tissues
  • Allows removal of infected tissue from the root canal system - Pulp tissue is extirpated or debrided - Pulp chambers and canals are cleaned, disinfected, shaped, filled, and tooth is restored
  • Result: allows saving and retaining of teeth that would otherwise be extracted
  • Contraindicated if there is massive tooth destruction and if there’s a root fracture
• If bacterial and by-product of pulpal inflammation has been reduced to a noncritical level of infection, it will effect a cure allowing resolution and repair of damaged periradicular tissue
• The extent of damage depends on

  The virulence of the MOs and on the host resistance
• Goals of Endodontic Therapy

  • Saving natural teeth to health
  • Preserve occlusion and restore efficient mastication
  • Control pain and swelling
  • Speech and phonation
  • Aesthetics
• Endodontic Procedures


  1. History taking and examinations are performed for correct diagnosis

  2. Access opening is made through the crown

  3. The pulp is removed with tiny instruments called nerve broaches

  4. A temporary filling is placed in the access opening to protect the root canal from infections between appointments

  5. When completely clean and free of infections the root canals are filled and sealed with a material that prevents the bacteria from entering

  6. A final restoration covering the crown is placed to seal the opening and to satisfy the functional and aesthetic demands of the root canal treated tooth
• Etiology of Endodontic Issues

  • Severe decay
  • Fracture
  • Traumatic injury
  • Cracked or loose fillings
  • Periodontal disease
• Scope of Endodontics


  • Differential diagnosis and treatment of oral pains of pulp and periradicular tissue
  • Vital pulp therapy such as pulp capping, pulpotomy, and pulpectomy
  • Nonsurgical treatment of root canal systems with or without periradicular pathosis of pulpal origin by gaining access and preparing the canal
  • Obturation of root canal systems
  • Selective surgical removal of pathological tissues resulting from pulpal pathosis
  • Intentional replantation and replantation of avulsed teeth
  • Surgical removal of tooth structure such as in root-end resection, hemisection, and root resection
  • Endodontic implants
  • Bleaching of discolored dentin and enamel
  • Retreatment of teeth previously treated endodontically
  • Coronal restoration by means of bonded composite, inlay/onlay, and complete crown coverage
• Basic Principles of Endodontics

  • Chain of asepsis
  • Correct diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Atraumatic handling of tissues - no unnecessary pressure or stresses on the soft tissue
  • Cleaning of canal - Disinfection debridement and removal of biofilm sticking on the canal walls
  • Shaping of the canal
  • Complete obturation
  • Proper restoration
  • Recall and maintenance care