What is Root Canal Treatment?
The process of removing damaged tissue caused by untreated deep cavities, disinfecting it from bacteria, and filling and shaping the emptied part with filling materials is called 'root canal treatment'.
As with our other treatment methods, root canal treatments need to be identified and recommended by our specialist dentists.
How is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
Root canal treatment is completed in generally one session after being decided by our specialist dentists.
First, the area to be treated is anesthetized to prevent pain. If there is decay, it is cleaned first. After reaching the stage where the treatment can be applied, a radiograph (x-ray) is taken to determine the length of the canal. Then the root canals are shaped. The root canals are disinfected, meaning they are cleaned of bacteria. The canals are filled with materials compatible with the surrounding tissues. The duration of the treatment is completed in 1-3 sessions depending on the oral structure and the condition of the tooth.
In particular, if the tooth is not alive and there is inflammation at the root tip, medication can be used to eliminate the bacteria in the root canals. In such cases, the medication needs to stay in the canals for 5-7 days to take effect. In this case, the tooth is filled with temporary filling material. In more severe cases, our dentists may recommend taking medication orally.
Mild pain and sensitivity complaints are observed after root canal treatment processes. However, this is a temporary process. The best solution for these pain and sensitivity issues is to avoid using that area too much.
How Should Oral Care Be After Root Canal Treatment?
As with all treatments, oral and dental health should be given importance after root canal treatments. Teeth should be brushed regularly, dental floss should be used, and regular doctor check-ups should be done.
Which Teeth Can Be Treated with Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatments are applied in cases where the tooth cannot be closed with filling treatment.
Common situations where root canal treatment is used:
Formation of decay under the filling or patient's complaints of pain after tooth filling or crown placement
Root fractures caused by severe impacts on the tooth
Damage to the pulp due to wrong chewing habits
To arrange adjacent teeth damaged after the extraction of wisdom teeth
How Do You Know if Your Tooth Needs Root Canal Treatment?
Sometimes there may be no symptoms for root canal treatment. Root canal treatment can be applied after the checks of our specialist dentists.
Some situations where our patients can understand the possibility of needing root canal treatment:
If you have severe cold and heat sensitivity in your tooth
If there is pain occurring at night without any stimulus
If there is tooth pain while eating
If there is swelling on the face due to abscess formation
Are Root Canal Treatment and Filling Separate Procedures?
Root canal filling is the process of cleaning and filling the root canal. The filling process is the reconstruction of the visible crown part of the tooth in the mouth with various filling materials according to the amount of damage.
To prevent the repetition of root canal treatments, your procedures must be done by a specialist dentist (endodontist). Also, oral and dental health must be meticulously maintained for healthy and long-lasting teeth.
