INTRODUCTION AND

SCOPE
OF ENDODONTICS

Objectives
Introduction
( definition, aims of endodontic therapy
,scope of endodontics )
Modern endodontics
( introduction to rotary systems, advent of
endomicroscope, newer obturation systems)
Single visit endodontics ( advantages,
disadvantages, indications)
Patient education ( information about
endodontic treatment transferred to patients)

Introduction
Endodontics is the branch of clinical
dentistry associated with the
prevention, diagnosis and treatment
of the pathosis of the dental pulp and
their sequelae.

Aim of endodontic therapy involves to

Maintain vitality of the pulp
Preserve and store the tooth with
damaged and necrotic pulp
Preserve and restore the teeth which
have failed to the previous
endodontic therapy, to allow the
tooth to remain functional in the
dental arch

Scope of Endodontics
Diagnosis of oral pain
Protection of healthy pulp from disease or
injury.
Pulp capping ( direct and indirect)
Pulpotomy
Pulpectomy
Root canal treatment of infected root canals
Surgical endodontics includes apicectomy,
hemisection, root amputation and
replantation

Modern endodontics
Many researches have been
conducted and papers are being
presented regarding the advances,
modifications and change in attitude
regarding endodontic therapy.
Development of newer antimicrobial
agents and techniques of
biomechanical preparation for
optimal cleaning and shaping of root
canals.

 Introduction of engine driven rotary

instruments for easier and efficient
cleaning of the root canals.
Advent of endomicroscope ( from
access opening till obturation of root
canals) makes images more
magnified and illuminated.
Introduction to newer obturation
systems.

Single visit endodontics

Single visit endodontics is gaining
popularity these days as compared
to multiple visits. SVE implies to
cleaning, shaping and disinfection of
a root canal followed by obturation
at the same appointment.

 The most common factors which appear to

be responsible for not performing SVE are as
follows.
Doubt of post operative pain
Fear of failure of endodontic therapy
Discomfort to patient because he/ she has to
keep the mouth open for a long period of
time
Lack of time
Lack of experience and equipment

Advantages

Convenience
Efficiency
Patient comfort
Economics
Minimizes fear and anxiety
Reduces incomplete treatment
Lesser errors in working lengths
Restorative considerations

Disadvantages
Tiring for patients to keep mouth
open for long durations
Clinician may lack the proficiency to
properly treat a case in single visit
Difficult cases with very fine, curved,
calcified, multiple canals may not be
treatable in single visit.

Indications of single visit

endodontics
Vital teeth
Fractured anteriors when esthetics is
concerned
Patients who require sedation every time
Non vital teeth with sinus tract
Medically compromised patients who
requires prophylactic antibiotics
Physically compromised patients who
cannot come to dental clinics frequently

Patient Education
Most of the patient who are given
endodontic treatment are often
curious and interested in their
treatment. For such patients
following information should be
transferred to the patient in
anticipation of frequently asked
questions.

Who performs an endodontic therapy?

Who is an endodontist?
What is endodontics?
How does pulp becomes damaged?
Why do I feel pain?
How can you tell if pulp is infected?
Why do I need root canal therapy?
What are alternatives to root canal
therapy?

 What is root canal procedure?

What are risks and complications?
How many visits will I take to complete this
treatment?
Will I feel pain during or after treatment?
Will I have a dead tooth after root canal therapy?
Will the tooth need any special care or additional
treatment after endodontic treatment?
Can all teeth be treated endodontically?