Endodontics
Effective treatment to preserve natural teeth and eliminate pain
Endodontics is the area of Dentistry responsible for diagnosing and treating pathologies of the dental pulp, better known as the “nerve” of the tooth. This specialty is where the well-known endodontic treatment (or root canal treatment) is performed, the purpose of which is to save teeth compromised by deep decay, infection or trauma — avoiding their extraction.
At LP CLINIC, we use modern technology and minimally invasive techniques to ensure that endodontic treatments are safe, comfortable and effective.
Inside the Tooth Also Speaks:
Know When to Act
Endodontic treatment — commonly known as root canal therapy — is necessary when the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes inflamed, infected, or necrotic (dead).
This condition can arise from various causes that affect the tooth deeply, beyond the body’s natural healing capacity.
The most common situations indicating the need for endodontic treatment are:
Deep decay
When tooth decay is not treated in time, it can progress and reach the dental pulp. Bacterial contact with the internal tissues of the tooth causes intense pain, infection, and sometimes abscess formation.
Dental trauma or fracture
A blow or fracture can expose the tooth’s nerve or damage internal blood vessels, leading to pulp death. Even without immediate pain, evaluation is crucial, as the problem may develop silently.
Extensive or repeated restorations
Teeth that have undergone several restorations (such as large fillings) may eventually have compromised pulp, either due to proximity to the nerve or heat from previous procedures, leading to irreversible inflammation.
Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
Intense sensitivity that persists after exposure to thermal stimuli may indicate pulp inflammation. If untreated, this condition can evolve into spontaneous pain.
Spontaneous or persistent pain
Pain that appears without an apparent reason — especially at night or with throbbing — may signal severe pulp inflammation or infection. This is one of the most common indicators for root canal treatment.
Infection or abscess formation
When there is an active infection inside the tooth, an abscess (a pocket of pus) may form, often accompanied by intense pain, gum swelling, or even a fistula (a small pimple with pus drainage). In these cases, endodontic treatment is essential to eliminate the source of infection.
Tooth discoloration
A tooth that darkens after trauma or gradually over time may indicate pulp necrosis (nerve death) — even in the absence of pain. In such cases, treatment is needed to prevent infection and improve aesthetics.
Endodontic Treatment with Magnification:
More Security, More Success
At LP CLINIC, we perform this procedure using advanced technology and maximum precision, including the use of an endodontic microscope. This equipment provides enhanced magnification and illumination, allowing for a level of detail and safety that would be impossible to achieve with the naked eye.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
We begin with a thorough clinical evaluation and digital radiographs. This helps us determine the extent of the lesion, the number of root canals, and the anatomical characteristics of the tooth — essential for accurate treatment planning.
Microscope-Assisted Access
Using the endodontic microscope, we create a small access opening in the tooth to precisely locate and visualise the pulp chamber and root canals. This technology allows us to:
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Detect very narrow, calcified, or additional canals;
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More effectively remove infected tissue;
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Avoid perforations or errors during the procedure;
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Ensure a more effective and long-lasting seal.
Cleaning and Disinfection of the Canals
Using specialised instruments and antimicrobial solutions, we remove all infected pulp and thoroughly disinfect the canals. The cleaning process is enhanced with rotary instrumentation and activated irrigation, significantly improving the success of the treatment.
Shaping and Sealing
The canals are carefully shaped and then filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha), which ensures a hermetic seal. This prevents bacterial reinfiltration and future infections.
Final Restoration
The tooth is then restored. Depending on the degree of structural compromise, it may be rebuilt with composite resin or receive a dental crown, which is crucial to protect the treated tooth and prolong its longevity.
Endodontic Microscope:
precision and safety in endodontic treatment
In modern Endodontics, the clinical microscope has become an indispensable tool. At LP CLINIC, we use the endodontic microscope in all root canal treatments to ensure maximum precision, predictability, and quality throughout the procedure.
What is the endodontic microscope used for?
The microscope significantly magnifies the working field, allowing the clinician to visualise internal tooth structures in great detail — even those invisible to the naked eye. With it, we are able to:
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Locate extremely narrow, calcified, or accessory root canals;
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Accurately detect internal fractures or microcracks;
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Perform more effective canal cleaning and disinfection;
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Prevent errors during treatment (such as perforations or deviations);
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Better assess the tooth’s internal anatomy.
What are the main advantages of using a microscope in Endodontics?
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Greater accuracy in diagnosis and treatment;
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Significantly increased success rates in root canal therapy;
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More conservative treatment, preserving as much tooth structure as possible;
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Reduced risk of complications and need for future retreatment;
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Enhanced safety and comfort for the patient, thanks to full visual control;
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Better real-time visualisation of the operative area, with focused and intense illumination.