Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the dental pulp and periapical tissues. There are a number of challenges that can be encountered in endodontic practice. These challenges can be technical, biological, or patient-related. Technical challenges include identifying and accessing the root canals, enlarging the root canals to the correct size and shape and finally filling the root canals. Biological challenges include: treating teeth with complex root canal anatomy, treating teeth that have been infected for a long period of time and treating teeth that have been weakened by decay or trauma. Patient-related challenges include patient preference of other treatment options, patients who are afraid of dental procedures and patients who have difficulty complying with the post-treatment instructions. Despite these challenges, endodontics is a very rewarding field of dentistry. Endodontists can save teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted, and they can improve the quality of life for their patients with a high rate of success.
