Endodontology │ Preserve your natural teeth

The term endodontics is derived from the Greek word "endodont" and means "inside the tooth". Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that primarily deals with the treatment of diseases in the interior of the tooth and the associated structures. Endodontic therapy can cure an inflamed or infected root canal, thus preserving the natural tooth.

In most cases, dental caries, a bacterial infection, causes tooth inflammation. A deep cavity or a fracture extending into the dentine allows bacteria to penetrate into the tooth. There you will find the pulp, also referred to as the "nerve." The pulp is made up of living connective tissue with nerves and blood vessels. It is very sensitive because of the body's low level of natural defenses in that area. An inflammation of this tissue is referred to as pulpitis and, if no treatment is given, it can lead to a dying pulp - a dead tooth. The result is a festering inflammation, which destroys the surrounding jawbone.

In the past, there was usually no way to reclaim such teeth because a tooth’s root canal system is often very delicate and curved. Today, however, it is possible to prevent tooth removal by means of endodontic therapy.

Depending on the severity and stage of the disease, the dentist has various treatment options.

After the gentle opening of the tooth - if necessary, under local anesthesia - the pulp is removed and the root canals are cleaned. This is done with fine nickel-titanium instruments and rinses to disinfect the area. Afterwards, the root canal is filled with a biocompatible material, which remains in the canal temporarily or permanently and prevents future bacterial growth.