Endodontology at a Glance

Alix Davies, Federico Foschi, Shanon Patel

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Year: 2019
• ISBN:
  9781118994726
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Dentistry

A practical and colourful introductory guide, Endodontology at a Glance covers all the essential topics (diagnosis, endodontic therapy, pain management and outcome of treatment) as well as the recent developments that comprise the field of endodontology. Written by experts in the field, the book explores the causes and sequelae of endodontic disease and offers suggestions for taking an effective patient history.

• New addition to the At a Glance series covering a core area of dentistry
• Review style makes for the ideal revision companion
• Includes access to a companion website with MCQs for self-assessment and downloadable images for use in teaching

Part 1
Disease processes in endodontology

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Chapters

1. 1 The causes and sequelae of endodontic disease
2. 2 Microbiology of apical periodontitis
3. 3 Resorption

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1
The causes and sequelae of endodontic disease

Pulpitis is the inflammation of the pulp, whereas apical periodontitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the apex of the tooth, including the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. Inflammation can be acute or chronic.

Acute inflammation

Acute inflammation is characterised by:

• Redness
• Heat
• Swelling
• Pain
• Loss of function.

The redness and heat produced in an area of acute inflammation are the results of vessel dilatation and increased blood flow to that area. Swelling is caused by the accumulation of tissue exudates which contain neutrophils and inflammatory mediators (Table 1.1). The exudate aims to dilute the toxins whilst the neutrophils ingest the pathogens by phagocytosis. Pain is felt because of the swelling exerting pressure on nerve endings. Certain chemical mediators can also stimulate pain receptors. Swelling and pain can result in loss of function of the inflamed area.

Chronic inflammation

Acute inflammation can be reversible by removal of the damaging stimulus. However, if it persists, chronic inflammation ensues. Chronic inflammation is the result of a balance between continued tissue damage and attempts by the host to eradicate the disease to produce some tissue repair. Macrophages are among the main effector cells in chronic inflammation. They secrete various inflammatory mediators and have a role in phagocytosis and antigen presentation. Lymphocytes additionally recognise foreign antigens by binding to them before proliferating to mount an immune response by cell-mediated immunity (T lymphocytes) or by humoral immunity (B lymphocytes). Symptoms are usually limited at the chronic inflammation stage.

Causes of apical periodontitis

Apical periodontitis is caused by bacterial infection of the pulp. In a healthy tooth, the pulp dentine complex is protected from oral microorganisms by the overlying enamel and cementum. However, these layers can be damaged by caries, cracks or fractures, tooth wear, restorative procedures or periodontal procedures to produce portals of entry for microorganisms.

As bacteria penetrate into dentine, they release toxins that pass through the dentine tubules. The pulp responds to this by producing a layer of tertiary dentine as an additional protective layer. Increased intratubular mineral deposition may also reduce the permeability of the dentine (Figure 1.1). However, once the microorganisms penetrate into the inner dentine layers, the toxins they produce cause significant pulpal inflammation. If no treatment is provided, the bacteria eventually invade and colonise the pulp. The pulp is encased in a hard dentine shell and can therefore not expand to accommodate large amounts of fluid exudate. It also lacks sufficient collateral circulation. These factors limit the ability of the pulp to respond effectively to the insult. Pulpal inflammation can initially be reversible, with removal of the irritants resulting in resolution of the inflammation. However, as the immune challenge increases, the pulpal damage will advance beyond repair, resulting in irreversible inflammation and progressive pulpal necrosis.

Restorative procedures additionally may ‘push’ a tooth with pre-existing pulpal inflammation to irreversible pulpitis. This occurs by overheating, desiccation or chemical irritation to the dentino-pulp complex. If rubber dam is not used, or poor fitting temporary restorations are placed, microleakage can also occur. The risk of permanent damage is higher when the restorative work is close to the pulp and the dentine is permeable.

A root canal with a necrotic pulp is the ideal environment for bacterial colonisation as it provides a warm, moist, nutritious and anaerobic environment. The reduced presence of oxygen can also select aggressive anaerobic pathogens. The microorganisms are protected from the host defences as there is no blood circulation in the necrotic tissue. They derive their nutrients from the necrotic pulp tissue, periradicular tissue fluids, saliva and metabolic by-products of other bacterial species.

Over time, the bacteria progress apically down the root canal. Leakage of toxins and metabolic by-products through the apical foramen also stimulates the inflammatory response in the periapical tissues. Inflammatory mediators are released that stimulate osteoclast differentiation. This results in apical bone resorption and production of an apical lesion surrounded by chronic inflammatory cells. This stage of the disease is described as chronic apical periodontitis associated with an infected necrotic tooth (Figure 1.2).

The aim of root canal treatment is to reduce the bacterial load and seal the canals to prevent further ingress of bacteria. However, chronic inflammation can persist if inadequate disinfection is performed, with microorganisms remaining at levels sufficient to stimulate an inflammatory response. If the root canal system and coronal aspect of the tooth are not adequately sealed after root canal treatment, bacteria can re-enter and cause recurrence of the apical inflammation. It can be difficult to identify if the cause of the inflammation is persistence of, or re-entry of bacteria (or both). This stage of the disease is described as chronic apical periodontitis associated with an infected root-filled tooth (Figure 1.3).

Bacteria can egress through the apical foramen and, in some cases, cause suppuration that presents as an acute apical abscess or a chronic sinus tract.

2
Microbiology of apical periodontitis

Which methods of sampling are used for...

Table of contents

• Cover
• More Details
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedications
• About the companion website
• Part 1 Disease processes in endodontology
• Part 2 Diagnosis
• Part 3 Endodontic therapy
• Part 4 Pain and pain management
• Part 5 Outcome of endodontic treatment
• Part 6 Endodontology and other aspects of dentistry
• Part 7 Trauma
• Part 8 Risk management
• Index
• End User License Agreement