Endodontics is the part of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the teeth that affect the dental pulp (the nerve). When decay attacks the tooth, it gradually holes it. The enamel is damaged first. If it continues to progress, it affects the dentin, and if it progresses further, it reaches the pulp where the nerve is located.
Cavities usually progress slowly, so it's easy to spot them before they get too big. Many times they are discovered by means of an X-ray. They don't always hurt. Sometimes pain is not felt until it has reached the nerve. When the decay reaches the nerve, it becomes infected and therefore becomes inflamed and painful. If the inflammation persists, the nerve may lose its vitality. Pain is no longer felt, but pus is produced, which comes out through the tip of the root, and causes phlegmon. When the decay reaches the nerve, root canal treatment must be performed, which consists of opening a cavity in the tooth and removing the nerve that has been affected by the decay.
After its disinfection, which is essential, the canal is filled with a sealing material. This whole process is very delicate and meticulous, and its complexity depends on the morphology of the roots.
Disappearance of the infection after endodontic treatment.