Editing Endodontic Therapy

{{Infobox medical procedure
| name            = Endodontic Therapy
| synonym         = Root Canal Treatment (RCT)
| image           = 
| caption         = Progression from an infected pulp to a completed root canal obturation.
| specialty       = [[Endodontics]]
| indications     = Irreversible [[pulpitis]], apical [[periodontitis]], dental trauma.
| outcome         = Retention of the natural tooth.
}}

==Definition==
'''Endodontic therapy''' is a sequence of dental treatments for the infected [[pulp]] of a tooth which results in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. 

While popularly referred to as a "root canal," the root canal is actually the anatomical space within the root of a tooth; the therapy is the cleaning, shaping, and filling of that space.

==Indications for Treatment==
Endodontic intervention is required when the dental pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Common causes include:
* '''Deep [[Dental Caries]]''': Bacteria reaching the pulp chamber.
* '''Dental Trauma''': Impact causing pulp necrosis or internal resorption.
* '''Fractured Teeth''': Cracks extending into the pulp.
* '''Irreversible Pulpitis''': Severe inflammation where the pulp cannot heal, characterized by lingering pain to cold/heat and spontaneous pain.

==The Procedure (Step-by-Step)==

===1. Access Preparation===
The dentist or [[Endodontics|Endodontist]] creates an opening through the crown of the tooth (occlusal for molars, lingual for incisors) to reach the pulp chamber.

===2. Cleaning and Shaping===
The diseased pulp tissue is removed using specialized '''endodontic files'''.
* '''Irrigation''': The canals are flushed with disinfecting solutions, most commonly '''Sodium Hypochlorite''' (NaOCl), to dissolve organic debris and kill bacteria.
* '''Instrumentation''': Files are used to shape the canals into a tapered form to allow for effective filling.


===3. Obturation===
Once the canals are cleaned and dried, they are filled with a biocompatible material to prevent re-infection.
* '''[[Gutta-percha]]''': A thermoplastic latex material that is the standard for root canal filling.
* '''Sealer''': A medicinal cement used to ensure a fluid-tight seal between the gutta-percha and the canal walls.

===4. Restoration===
Because an endodontically treated tooth is "non-vital" (brittle) and often has significant lost structure, a final restoration is required.
* In most posterior teeth, a '''[[Dental Crown]]''' is mandatory to prevent tooth fracture.

==Success Rates and Prognosis==
Modern endodontic therapy has a success rate of approximately 85% to 97%. Factors affecting prognosis include:
* The presence of a pre-existing periapical lesion (bone infection).
* The quality of the final coronal seal (the filling/crown).
* The complexity of the root canal anatomy (e.g., curved canals or calcification).

==Complications==
* '''[[Sodium Hypochlorite Accident]]''': Extrusion of irritant past the apex.
* '''Instrument Separation''': A file breaking inside the canal.
* '''Perforation''': An accidental hole made through the side of the root.

==See Also==
* [[Endodontics]]
* [[Pulpitis]]
* [[Gutta-percha]]
* [[Apicoectomy]]

[[Category:Endodontics]]
[[Category:Dental Procedures]]