1. Root Canal Treatment (RCT):
   • This procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s root canal.
   • The dentist creates an access hole in the tooth and uses specialized tools to clean and shape the canal.
   • The canal is then filled with a biocompatible material, such as gutta-percha, to seal it and prevent reinfection.
   • A crown or filling is often placed on the tooth after RCT to restore its strength and functionality.
2. Apicoectomy:
   • An apicoectomy is performed when a previous root canal treatment has failed or when there is an infection at the tip of the tooth’s root.
   • The dentist makes a small incision in the gum to access the underlying bone and infected tissue.
   • The infected portion of the root tip is removed, and a small filling is placed to seal the end of the root.
   • The gum is then sutured back in place, allowing for healing and preventing further infection.

1. Pulpotomy:
   • A pulpotomy is a partial removal of the dental pulp, typically performed on primary (baby) teeth or young permanent teeth.
   • It is usually done to treat extensive decay or injury that has affected the pulp but has not reached the root canal.
   • The infected or damaged portion of the pulp is removed, and a medication is applied to promote healing.
   • The tooth is then restored with a filling or a stainless steel crown.
2. Pulpectomy:
   • A pulpectomy is a complete removal of the dental pulp, typically performed on primary teeth or permanent teeth with immature roots.
   • It is necessary when the entire pulp, including the portion inside the root canal, is infected or damaged.
   • The dentist removes all the pulp from the crown and root canals, cleans and disinfects them, and fills them with a suitable material.
   • A crown or filling is placed on the tooth to protect and restore its functionality.
3. Root Canal Retreatment:
   • Root canal retreatment is performed when a previously treated tooth develops new infection or the initial treatment has not been effective.
   • The dentist reopens the tooth, removes the previous filling material, and cleans the canals to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
   • The canals are then filled with new biocompatible material, and a temporary filling is placed.
   • In some cases, a crown or other restoration may be needed to reinforce the tooth structure.
4. Internal Tooth Bleaching:
   • Internal tooth bleaching is a cosmetic procedure used to lighten the color of a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
   • The dentist applies a bleaching agent inside the tooth and seals it with a temporary filling.
   • The bleach is left in the tooth for a specific period, and the process may be repeated multiple times until the desired shade is achieved.
   • Once the desired result is attained, the temporary filling is replaced with a permanent restoration.
5. Vital Pulp Therapy:
   • Vital pulp therapy is performed when the dental pulp is injured or exposed but still deemed healthy and capable of healing.
   • There are two main types of vital pulp therapy: direct pulp capping and pulpotomy.
   • Direct pulp capping involves placing a medicated material directly on the exposed pulp to promote healing and protect it from further damage.
   • Pulpotomy, as mentioned earlier, involves removing the infected or damaged portion of the pulp while preserving the remaining healthy pulp.
6. Dental Trauma Management:
   • Endodontists are trained in managing dental trauma, which includes injuries to the teeth and surrounding tissues caused by accidents or sports-related incidents.
   • Prompt evaluation and treatment of dental trauma are crucial for preserving the tooth and preventing further complications.
   • The specific treatment required will depend on the type and severity of the injury and may involve procedures such as splinting, root canal treatment, or tooth reattachment.
7. Endodontic Surgery:
   • Endodontic surgery, also known as apical surgery or root-end resection, is performed when conventional root canal treatment is not sufficient to save the tooth.
   • It is typically done to treat persistent infections or to remove cysts or other pathologic lesions around the root tip.
   • The endodontist makes a small incision in the gum near the tooth, accesses the root tip, and removes the infected tissue.
   • The root end is then reshaped, and a small filling is placed to seal it. The gum is sutured back into place to promote healing.
8. Endodontic Retreatment:
   • Endodontic retreatment is performed when a previously treated tooth develops new problems or fails to heal properly.
   • The endodontist reopens the tooth, removes the previous filling material, and thoroughly cleans and disinfects the canals.
   • Any new infection or blockage is addressed, and the canals are filled with new biocompatible material.
   • Similar to root canal retreatment, a crown or other restoration may be necessary to restore the tooth’s strength and functionality.
9. Vital Pulp Therapy with Indirect Pulp Capping:
   • Indirect pulp capping is a vital pulp therapy procedure performed when the dental pulp has been minimally affected by decay or injury.
   • Instead of directly capping the exposed pulp, a layer of medicated material is placed over the affected dentin to promote healing and protect the pulp
   • This procedure is typically done when the decay is close to the pulp but hasn’t reached it completely. It helps to stimulate the formation of reparative dentin and preserve the vitality of the tooth.
10. Regenerative Endodontics:
    • Regenerative endodontics is an emerging field that aims to restore the function and vitality of damaged or immature teeth.
    • It involves the use of bioactive materials and growth factors to promote the regeneration of dental pulp, root tissues, and dentin.
    • Regenerative procedures are typically performed in young patients with injured or infected teeth that have not fully developed.
    • The process involves disinfecting the tooth, introducing regenerative materials, and creating an environment conducive to tissue regeneration.
11. Dental Trauma Splinting:
    • Dental trauma splinting is a procedure used to stabilize and immobilize teeth that have been displaced or fractured due to trauma.
    • Splinting involves bonding the injured tooth to adjacent teeth using various materials, such as composite resins or wires.
    • The splint helps to immobilize the tooth, allowing for proper healing of the supporting structures.
    • Splinting duration can vary depending on the severity of the trauma and the tooth’s condition, and it is usually followed by additional treatment as required.
12. Apexification:
    • Apexification is a procedure performed on immature permanent teeth with underdeveloped roots that have been injured or infected.
    • The process involves removing the infected pulp, placing a material called a calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) at the root tip to encourage root-end closure and promote the formation of a hard barrier.
    • Once the apexification is complete, the tooth can be restored with a permanent filling or a crown.
13. Crown Lengthening:
    • Crown lengthening is a procedure performed to expose more of the tooth’s crown by removing excess gum tissue or bone.
    • It is commonly done when a tooth is severely decayed, fractured below the gum line, or when there is insufficient tooth structure for a restoration.
    • The dentist or periodontist reshapes the gum tissue and, if necessary, removes a small amount of bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface.
    • Crown lengthening allows for better access to the tooth for restorative procedures such as crown placement.
14. Hemisection:
    • Hemisection is a procedure in which a severely damaged or infected molar tooth is divided into two separate sections.
    • It is typically done when a significant portion of the tooth’s root or supporting structures is compromised, but one part of the tooth can still be preserved.
    • The affected section of the tooth, including the root, is removed, and the remaining healthy portion is retained.
    • After the hemisection, the tooth is restored with a filling, crown, or bridge, depending on the specific case.

1. Internal Resorption Treatment:
   • Internal resorption occurs when the tooth’s structure is damaged from the inside, often due to inflammation or trauma.
   • The damaged area is typically identified through X-rays or other imaging techniques.
   • Treatment involves removing the affected dental tissues and filling the area with a suitable material to prevent further resorption.
   • The tooth is then restored using a filling or crown to restore its shape and function.
2. Apexogenesis:
   • Apexogenesis is a procedure performed on immature permanent teeth with open or incomplete root apices.
   • It is done to promote root development and allow the tooth’s natural pulp to continue maturing.
   • The inflamed or infected pulp is removed, and a medicated material is placed to encourage the formation of hard tissue at the root apex.
   • Apexogenesis aims to preserve the vitality of the tooth and support its continued root development.

Frequently Asked Questions about Endodontic Procedures