Endodontic treatment is necessary when the dental pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This can occur from various causes: deep caries, trauma or fractures to the tooth and other pathological processes that may affect the tooth. If the inflammation or infection of the pulp is not treated, intermittent or constant pain may occur, and sometimes a phlegmon (with swelling of the gum of the oral mucosa) or a fistula (with suppuration) may appear.

Signs of a damaged pulp include: pain, prolonged sensitivity to cold or heat, discoloration, and swelling and discomfort in the gums around the tooth. Sometimes there are no symptoms.

Endodontic treatment could also be recommended for teeth that require carving for the subsequent placement of crowns or fixed bridges.

In most cases, pulp treatments can be performed in a single session. However, each case will be independently evaluated for each patient and it will be decided, depending on their situation, if any other measure is required.

After such therapy, the properly restored and treated tooth is no longer fragile. In the case of posterior teeth (premolars and molars), it may be convenient to protect the crown of the tooth (the visible part, which protrudes from the gum) by means of appropriate reconstructions, for a greater durability of the same.

The clinical and radiographic examination is performed first. Next, local anesthesia is administered. A rubber dam is then placed to keep the tooth isolated, clean, and free from contact with saliva during the procedure.

Next, an opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the conduits where the pulp is located. Instruments and a disinfecting irrigating solution are used to clean the pulp from the root canals. These are then filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha with a cement, to ensure complete sealing of the ducts. Finally, a temporary or definitive restoration is placed (“filling” or reconstruction of the opening made and of the portion of the crown that may need it).

These treatments are painless, since very effective and long-lasting local anesthetics are used today.

During the first days after the treatment, you may notice sensitivity or discomfort in the tooth, due to the postoperative inflammation of the tissues that surround the tooth. In these cases, the type of medication appropriate to the patient's situation may be prescribed.

You should try not to chew or bite with the treated tooth until the final restoration of the tooth is performed ("filling" or reconstruction).

It is essential not to delay the restoration of the teeth excessively after root canal treatment to avoid any complication or fracture of the same.

It is important that you visit your dentist periodically (at least, an annual review) to avoid the appearance of cavities or other factors that could influence the prognosis of the treated tooth. Which will behave the same as the others both in its function and in its duration, requiring the same hygiene care, prevention and periodic check-ups as any other tooth.