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

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

Endodontic treatment could also be advisable in 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, the Doctor will independently evaluate each patient and decide, depending on their situation, if any other measure is required.

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

Next, an opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the canals where the pulp is found. Instruments and a disinfectant 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 a complete seal of the canals. Finally, a temporary or permanent restoration is placed (“filling” or reconstruction of the opening made and of the portion of the crown that may need it).

After a therapy of this type, the treated and correctly restored tooth is no more fragile. In the cases 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 adequate reconstructions, for a greater durability of the same.