Endodontic therapy, which is also known as canal treatment or endodontics, is a specialised dental procedure that is aimed to save a severely affected or infected tooth. This procedure may seem to be frightening, at first. However, as a matter of reality, this is an efficient way to keep a natural tooth and to avoid infections that may spread all over the organism. Let us study deeply what is endodontic therapy and when it is necessary.

What is endodontic therapy?

Endodontic therapy is a procedure implying the removal of soft and nervous tissues (pulp) from inside the tooth, which is often affected by deep caries, injuries or infections. After the pulp is removed, the hollow space is cleaned, disinfected, filled and sealed in order to prevent reinfection. The goal of endodontic therapy is to keep the natural tooth structure and to prevent its extraction.

When endodontic therapy is required?

There are many situations when endodontic therapy may be necessary:

1. Deep caries: When caries progresses to the level of the tooth pulp and causes inflammation or infection, endodontic therapy is often the sole way to save this tooth.
   
   
2. Sever toothaches: If you have an intense toothache in a tooth that still persists even after removing the temperature or pressure impact, this may be a sign that the tooth pulp is affected and then endodontic therapy may be necessary.
   
   
3. Dental injuries or traumas: Strong hits or dental injuries may cause tooth fissures or fractures, thus allowing bacteria to penetrate into the tooth and to cause infections. Endodontic therapy may be necessary in order to treat such infections and to avoid tooth losing.
   
   
4. Abscesses or swellings at the gums level: An abscess or a swelling not far from a tooth may be a sign of infection that needs endodontic treatment.
   
   
5. Excessive sensitivity: If your teeth become sensitive to extreme temperatures and such sensitivity does not disappear, this may be a sign that the pulp is affected and there is a need for endodontic therapy.
   
   

It is very important to mention that in many cases, endodontic therapy can prevent tooth extraction, thus keeping the natural tooth structure and functionality. The present-day technologies and techniques make this procedure more comfortable and more efficient than it was in the past. If you have persisting toothache or symptoms as described above, please, consult a dentist for assessing it. The dentist can determine whether there is a need for endodontic therapy, in order to save your tooth and to keep your oral cavity health.