DEFINITION
- According to Grossman, Endodontics is that branch of dentistry that deals with the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the pulp and periapical tissues compatible with good health.
- According to American Association of Endodontists, Endodontics is that branch of dentistry that is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp; the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp; and associated periradicular conditions.
WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF ENDODONTICS?
- Diagnosis and management of oral/dental pain
- Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of pulp and periradicular tissues.
- Pulp therapies:
- Pulp capping—indirect pulp capping (IPC) and direct pulp capping (DPC)
- Pulpotomy
- Apexogenesis and apexificationPulp capping and pulpotomy comes under vital pulp therapy (VPT)
- The root canal treatment (RCT) or the Endodontic treatment
- Nonsurgical retreatment of teeth that have undergone Endodontic failure (Re-RCT)
- Post-obturation restoration (POR) including post and core built-ups
- Bleaching of teeth
- Treatment of traumatized teeth. For example, replantation of avulsed tooth
- Age-specific Endodontics:
- Pediatric Endodontics
- Geriatric Endodontics
- Surgical Endodontics including apicoectomy, hemisection, Endodontic implants, etc.)
- Research of newer biocompatible materials and techniques to make Endodontics more predictable.
- Use of magnification in Endodontics such as dental operating microscope (DOM) to enhance efficacy of procedures (Microendodontics)
- Use of other clinical adjuncts such as ozone therapy in Endodontics and lasers in Endodontics.
WHAT ARE THE AIMS AND OBJECTS OF ENDODONTICS?
Schilder stated goals of Endodontics: “Root canal systems must be cleaned and shaped to receive a three-dimensional hermetic (fluid-tight seal) filling of the entire root canal space.”
“The logical goal of Endodontic treatment is to eliminate or substantially reduce the microbial population within the root canal system and to prevent reinfection by a tight seal of the root canal space.” (PNR Nair, Pathways of Pulp, 9th edn. p.573).
The aims and objects of Endodontics can be summarized as given in Figure 1.2.
(Remember the mnemonic: P3R3ESS).
WHAT ARE THE CHANGES AND RECENT ADVANCES THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN THE FIELD OF ENDODONTICS?
In the last 2–3 decades, lot of advances have taken place in the art of Endodontics and science of Endodontology. Epidemiological studies suggest that the percentage of teeth that can be retained through contemporary Endodontic therapy is rising well above 90%. Millions of teeth are being saved and then successfully restored to their full functional and esthetic value.3
Sea changes in Endodontics: There have been major changes in the practice of Endodontics. Although goals to be achieved remain same but ‘How’ these goals can be achieved efficiently, effectively and without much discomfort to the patient in as less time as possible, has led to a lot of research in this field. Few examples of change in Endodontics are listed in Table 1.1. These have been explained in detail in the respective chapters.4
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Cohen S, Hargreaves KM. Pathways of Pulp, 9th edn. St. Louis: Mosby; 2006. p. 573.
- Grossman L, Oliet S, Del Rio C. Endodontic Practice, 11th edn. Varghese Publication; 1991. pp. 29–58.
- Ingle J, Bakland L, Baumgartner J. Ingle's Endodontics 6, 6th edn. BC Decker Inc, Hamilton; 2008. p. 3.