Endodontics

The dental pulp is the tissue inside the teeth, composed of nerves, blood vessels, and specialized cells. Its main function is to form the tooth and, afterward, to sense external stimuli.

Teeth with cavities, fractures or trauma allow bacteria to reach the dental pulp, potentially causing pulp necrosis, which may be accompanied by pain, swelling, or abscess. However, sometimes there are no symptoms. The conservative treatment for these teeth is endodontics, as the only alternative would be extraction.

This treatment initially involves the complete removal of the contents of the root canals, followed by disinfection of the space and filling it with an inert material. The goal is to create an environment that allows the supporting tissues of the tooth to heal, remain symptom-free, and function properly.

The success rate of this therapy is very high (96% when performed correctly). However, there is no guarantee of success, as it depends, among other factors, on the patient’s healing response.

Endodontics is also the treatment of choice for teeth with prolonged sensitivity to cold or heat, pain on touch or chewing, and discolored teeth. After endodontic treatment, teeth can be whitened with the help of our dental aesthetics team, allowing you to smile with confidence again.

Root canal treatment removes the compromised dental pulp, disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it, allowing the tooth to remain functional. When the pulp is affected by deep cavities, trauma, fractures, or other injuries, it can become inflamed or infected, causing severe pain and putting the tooth at risk of loss.

Endodontic retreatment should always be the first therapeutic option to save a tooth where a previous root canal treatment has failed. It involves removing the existing contents of the canals to allow for new disinfection and shaping, followed by resealing the area. In most cases, this procedure can correct the cause of the initial failure and create conditions that restore the tooth’s health.

Periapical microsurgery is the recommended therapeutic option when there is an endodontic lesion that has not been corrected by a root canal retreatment, or when another endodontic procedure is contraindicated.

A tecnologia na endodontia deriva da investigação constante que tem conduzido a um Advances in endodontic technology are the result of continuous research, leading to new techniques, equipment, and materials:

• Digital or Computed Radiography: The main advantage is a reduced radiation dose (approximately 1/8 of that of traditional film X-rays).
• Mechanized Instrumentation: The use of highly flexible nickel-titanium files with rotary equipment allows for more predictable root canal shaping.
• Electronic Apex Locators: These devices determine electronically where each canal ends.
• Ultrasound Technology: Facilitates shaping, cleaning, and removal of obstructions inside the canals. Ultrasound has revolutionized the creation of cavities at the root tips during periapical surgery, making procedures safer and more reliable.
• Microscope: Expands the working field, which is crucial in a small area like the dental pulp, and provides intense, uniform illumination, allowing visualization of features not visible to the naked eye. This increases precision, broadens treatment options, and enhances the quality of care provided to patients.