Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)

Why is Root Canal Treatment Performed?

The most important principle in terms of dental health is to protect natural teeth as much as possible. No artificial tooth can replace natural teeth; therefore, we should take the necessary precautions to protect the health of our teeth and treat them whenever possible. When one of our teeth becomes diseased, one of the most effective ways to save the tooth is root canal treatment. Root canal treatment is a treatment method that helps protect damaged or infected teeth.

The pulp in the inner structure of the tooth is a soft layer containing nerves, blood and lymph vessels. When the pulp is damaged to the point where it cannot repair itself, it dies, and in this case, root canal treatment comes into play. The pulp is usually damaged by deep cavities or fractures in the tooth. This causes bacteria to cause inflammation in the core of the tooth. If the damaged pulp is not removed, the infection can spread to the entire tooth and the surrounding tissues, which leads to the loss of the tooth.

What is Root Canal Treatment and How is it Applied?

Root canal treatment is a treatment method applied in cases where the pulp inside the tooth is damaged or infected. In the past, when faced with a diseased pulp, the only solution was usually to extract the tooth. However, today, thanks to developing dentistry technology, it has become possible to treat and protect these teeth.

What Happens If Root Canal Treatment Is Not Performed?

If the pulp cannot heal itself due to deep caries or cracks, the tooth loses its vitality. In this case, the infection can spread from the tooth root to the tissues surrounding the tooth. The jawbone also becomes inflamed and begins to erode, which can lead to an abscess in the bone. The abscess occurs with pain and swelling and can cause the tooth to be lost in a short time if left untreated.

Stages of Root Canal Treatment:

Anesthesia: First, local anesthesia is applied to the tooth so that the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment.

Cleaning the Decay and Removing the Pulp: The decay in the tooth is cleaned and the pulp of the tooth is reached. The diseased and soft tissue is removed, and the nerve and tissue residues are carefully cleaned.

Shaping the Canal: The tooth canal is shaped up to the root tip. If necessary, certain medications can be applied to accelerate the healing process.

Temporary Filling: The treatment process may take several sessions. During this process, the tooth is covered with temporary filling materials. When it is understood that the inflammation has stopped and the inflammation from the root tip has stopped, the canal is filled with a permanent filling material.

Single-Session Treatment: In some cases, root canal treatment can be completed in a single session. This depends on the condition of the tooth and the spread of the infection.

How Long Does a Root Canal Treated Tooth Last?

If the tooth that has undergone root canal treatment does not become infected again and the necessary precautions are taken to prevent decay, this tooth can be used for a lifetime. With regular dentist check-ups, the onset of infection can be detected and timely intervention can be made. In addition, good oral care can prevent the tooth from decaying again. In this way, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can remain healthy for many years.