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Toothache is one of the most disturbing health problems that negatively affects daily life. Especially infections affecting the dental nerve can lead to unbearable pain and serious complications. At this point, root canal treatment stands out as one of the most valuable applications of modern dentistry that allows saving the tooth without extraction.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure performed when the soft tissue called pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or damaged. The pulp consists of blood vessels, nerve fibers, and connective tissue that provide vitality to the tooth. When this tissue is damaged, root canal treatment becomes necessary to protect the tooth and eliminate pain.
This procedure, also known as endodontics, involves cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the root canals of the tooth with special filling materials. As a result of treatment, the tooth continues to remain in the mouth while maintaining its natural appearance and functionality. When root canal treatment is preferred over extraction, chewing function is preserved and adjacent teeth are prevented from shifting.
In Which Situations Is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
Various problems occurring in teeth may necessitate root canal treatment. Dentists make this decision by evaluating the patient’s complaints and clinical examination findings. The earlier the damage to the inner tissue of the tooth is detected, the higher the treatment success rate.
The main situations requiring root canal treatment are as follows:
- Exposure of pulp to bacterial infection due to deep cavities
- Damage to nerve tissue as a result of trauma to the tooth
- Irritation of pulp due to repeated dental procedures
- Development of infection as a result of tooth fractures or cracks
- Abscess formation at the root tip of the tooth
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold
Root canal treatment may be necessary even without pain. In some cases, the pulp silently becomes necrotic and the patient does not feel any symptoms. This is why the importance of regular dental check-ups becomes evident once again.
How Is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
In modern dentistry, root canal treatment is performed quite comfortably thanks to technological developments. The procedure is usually completed in one or several sessions and is performed under local anesthesia. The patient does not feel pain during the treatment.
The treatment process begins with a detailed X-ray. The dentist evaluates the number, shape of root canals, and the extent of infection through these images. Then local anesthesia is applied to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues.
The pulp chamber is accessed with special instruments through a small entry hole made in the upper part of the tooth. Infected or necrotic pulp tissue is carefully cleaned. Root canals are shaped and enlarged with files of different diameters. At this stage, the canals are washed and disinfected with antiseptic solutions.
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and canal sealer. This filling creates an excellent barrier that prevents bacteria from re-entering the canals. Finally, the upper part of the tooth is closed with temporary or permanent filling.
After treatment is completed, a crown is usually recommended to strengthen the tooth. Since root canal treated teeth can become brittle over time, crown application ensures the long life of the tooth.
What Should Be Considered After Root Canal Treatment?
It is normal to feel slight sensitivity or discomfort in the first days after treatment. This condition usually resolves on its own within a few days. However, it is important to follow certain rules to speed up the healing process and prevent complications.
Points to consider after treatment:
- Eating and drinking should be avoided until the anesthesia effect wears off
- Care should be taken not to chew on the treated side for the first few days
- Hard and sticky foods should be avoided
- Painkillers recommended by the dentist should be used regularly
- Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided for at least one week as they slow down healing
Special attention should be paid to oral hygiene. Teeth should be brushed gently with a soft brush and dental floss use should continue. If symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, or fever occur in the treated area, a dentist should be consulted immediately.
The appointment given for permanent filling or crown application must be attended. Staying with temporary filling for a long time can cause the tooth to become re-infected or fracture. Through regular check-ups, the condition of the treated tooth is monitored and possible problems are detected early.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is root canal treatment painful?
Thanks to local anesthesia techniques used in modern dentistry, root canal treatment is performed painlessly. Since the tooth and surrounding tissues are completely numbed during the procedure, the patient does not feel any pain. The severe toothache experienced before treatment is actually much more uncomfortable than the treatment itself. Slight sensitivity may be felt for a few days after the procedure, but this is easily controlled with simple painkillers.
2) How many sessions does root canal treatment take to complete?
Treatment duration varies depending on the extent of infection and the anatomical structure of the tooth. In simple cases, treatment can be completed in a single session, while advanced infections may require two or three sessions. Since front teeth usually have a single root canal, the procedure takes less time. In molar teeth, the treatment duration may be longer as there can be three or four canals. Each session lasts on average between 30 minutes and 90 minutes.
3) How long does a root canal treated tooth last?
After a properly performed root canal treatment, the tooth can remain in the mouth for a lifetime with appropriate care. Treatment success ranges between 90% and 95%. For the tooth to be long-lasting, it is recommended to definitely have a crown made after treatment. Regular tooth brushing, dental floss use, and check-ups every six months are critically important in maintaining the health of the treated tooth.
4) Is it more logical to have the tooth extracted instead of root canal treatment?
Preserving the natural tooth is always the best option. Root canal treatment saves the tooth from extraction and offers many advantages for oral health. Placing an implant or bridge to replace the extracted tooth is both more costly and may require additional surgical procedures. Additionally, when a missing tooth is left, adjacent teeth shift toward the gap, the tooth in the opposing jaw elongates, and chewing function deteriorates. Therefore, root canal treatment should be preferred in every possible situation.
5) Is it necessary to use antibiotics during or after root canal treatment?
Antibiotic use is not mandatory in every root canal treatment. The dentist decides whether to prescribe antibiotics based on the severity of infection and the patient’s general health status. Antibiotic treatment may be necessary if there are symptoms such as abscess formation, facial swelling, or fever. Additionally, prophylactic antibiotics may be given to individuals in risk groups such as patients with heart valve disease, diabetes, or immunocompromised patients. Strictly following the dosage and duration of the prescribed antibiotic is of great importance for the success of treatment.
