Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is a procedure in which the pulp tissue, which usually contains the nerves and vessels in the inner part of the tooth, is removed and the tooth is treated. It is applied when infection or inflammation occurs in the pulp of the tooth due to tooth decay, trauma or other causes.

In which cases is root canal treatment applied?

Root canal treatment can be applied in advanced pulp inflammation, advanced tooth fractures, tooth root abscesses, deep tooth decay and tooth sensitivity to heat and cold.

How is Root Canal Treatment Performed?

  1. Examination and Diagnosis: Endodontic treatment begins with an examination, usually starting with symptoms such as toothache, sensitivity, swelling of the tooth or signs of infection. The dentist will assess the symptoms and, if necessary, take x-rays to examine the internal structure of the tooth. This assessment evaluates the condition of the tooth and determines the appropriate treatment plan.
  2. Anesthesia: Before the treatment begins, the patient is relaxed by numbing the area. Local anesthesia is usually used and the patient does not feel pain during the treatment.
  3. Access to the Tooth: The dentist opens the top of the tooth to gain access to the pulp chamber. This is done by using special drills on the tooth. Careful and precise work is done to access the inside of the tooth.
  4. Pulp Cleaning and Shaping: The dentist removes infected or inflamed tissues from the pulp chamber and shapes the inside of the tooth. In this step, the root canals are cleaned and shaped using special endodontic files. This step ensures that the infection is controlled and the inside of the tooth is prepared.
  5. Flushing and Disinfection of Root Canals: The root canals are washed with special solutions to remove the infection and disinfect the root canals. This step ensures that the infection is completely removed from the inside of the tooth.
  6. Filling the Root Canals: The cleaned and disinfected root canals are filled with special filling materials. These filling materials prevent the infection from returning by blocking the root canals and protect the inside of the tooth.
  7. Temporary Filling Application: After the root canals are filled, a filling is applied to temporarily seal the tooth. This temporary filling provides temporary protection for the tooth to complete the healing process.
  8. Permanent Restoration: Once treatment is complete, the tooth may need to be permanently restored. This is done to ensure the structural integrity of the tooth and improve its aesthetic appearance. Permanent restoration can be accomplished through various methods, such as a filling, a crown or a bridge.

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?

Depending on factors such as the condition of the tooth, the number of roots and canals in the tooth, the location of the tooth, the infection status, the answer to the question of how long root canal treatment takes may vary. Generally, on average, a session can last between 30 – 60 minutes. However, if the tooth to be treated has more than one root, this process can take up to 2 hours. Treatment times may also be longer in complex cases or in cases requiring additional treatments. It may also require more than one session.

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Is there pain after root canal treatment?

After the treatment, there may be mild pain and sensitivity in the tooth, but this is temporary. The best solution in this case is not to use the side of the tooth effectively for a few days or to use an anti-inflammatory medication. After a short time, the sensitivity will disappear.

Can root canal treatment be performed again?

Mostly, the solution is reached by renewing the root canal treatment and eliminating the error, if any. The old canal filling is removed, the canal of the tooth is reshaped, cleaned, medicated and refilled.

If no results are obtained with this procedure, a surgical intervention called ‘root tip resection’ is applied. During this procedure, the root of the tooth is accessed; this area and its surroundings are surgically cleaned and closed. In multi-rooted teeth, the infected root is removed. If surgical intervention does not provide a solution, extraction of the tooth may be considered appropriate.

Is pain felt during root canal treatment?

There is usually no pain during root canal treatment because the procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. After the anesthesia is administered, the sensation in the treatment area disappears. However, after the anesthesia wears off, there may be some discomfort or mild pain in the treated tooth and the surrounding area. This usually goes away within a few days and you are advised to take painkillers.

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