Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on treating the tooth pulp, or the soft interior tissues of the tooth. The most commonly known form of endodontic treatment is the root canal treatment. Recent advances in this school of dentistry have made endodontic treatment more effective and comfortable than ever.
Advanced Imaging Techniques
Advanced imaging techniques like cone beam CT scanning have made it easier for your endodontist to see exactly what’s going on with your tooth. The highly detailed images from cone beam scanning can be used to map all the complex features of the tooth’s interior, including the structure of the root canal. If you are undergoing root canal treatment, these images help guide the endodontist to ensure all the infected tissue is removed during the procedure. Cone beam CT scanning can also more easily detect tiny fractures in the tooth
New Techniques to Disinfect Your Tooth
After the infected pulp tissue has been removed from your tooth, it’s vital to completely disinfect the tooth’s interior before it is filled and sealed. If any infection is left behind, the tooth could require additional treatment in the future. New instruments and techniques have made it possible for endodontists to be more thorough in the disinfecting stage of root canal treatment, making sure even the most complex of root canal systems is thoroughly and effectively sterilized to prevent future infection. These tools help irrigate the full extent of the pulp chamber and root canal system.
New Techniques to Seal Your Tooth
You might also be more susceptible to future infection if your tooth isn’t thoroughly sealed after treatment. This process involves filling the interior of the tooth with a special, sterile substance called gutta-percha. However, because the root canal system is often complex, it can be difficult to ensure it is thoroughly filled. Endodontists are using different levels of heat to reduce shrinkage and to be sure the gutta-percha reaches all the intricate channels of the root canal system. Afterward, it’s important to seal the tooth completely by filling the hole that was used to reach the root canal. Placing this final seal right away can greatly increase the long-term success of your root canal treatment.
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