What is Root Canal Treatment?

The process, whose real name is endodontics and known as root canal treatment, is a treatment method applied to save inflamed or very damaged teeth. In the meantime, the damaged pulp is removed, the relevant area is washed and disinfected, filled and closed.

For root canal treatment, first a dental x-ray is taken, anesthesia is applied, and pulpectomy and tooth filling are completed. Each of these stages must be applied in order for the treatment to be successful.

During the dental x-ray, the exact location and size of the decay is determined and the dentist decides whether endodontic treatment is needed. If it is decided to apply root canal treatment, local anesthesia is applied to the patient and the necessary tooth area is anesthetized. After anesthesia, pulpectomy, that is, removal of the diseased pulp (tooth pulp) is performed. The duration of this process varies according to the condition of the tooth. Since pulpectomy is performed under local anesthesia, pain is not felt. After the pulp is removed, the filling process begins. The cavity formed after pulpectomy is filled with a substance called “guta percha”. Then it is closed with a substance called “cement”.

why root canal treatment is done ; It is done due to deep caries, cracked teeth and damage to the tooth after impact. If the tooth has a chance to be saved, prosthesis is not recommended because it will be healthier to cover the main tooth with a filling material.

Signs of Conditions That Will Require Root Root Canal Treatment?

The main purpose of root canal treatment is to save the dead tooth and make the bone structure of the tooth usable. The symptoms of conditions that require root canal treatment are as follows;

• Developing hypersensitivity to hot and cold
• Pain when chewing and biting
• Swelling in the face and neck
• aphtha-like sores on the gums
• swelling of the gums
• deep bruises
• dark gums

How Is Root Canal Treatment Done, What Are Its Stages?

Root canal treatment is an ongoing process of two or three sessions, depending on the condition of the tooth. The path to be followed in the root canal treatment process varies according to the condition of the tooth. But in general, the steps are as follows;

• X-rays are taken to see the condition of the roots of the tooth and to detect the presence of infection. Damage assessment is made and it is decided whether root canal treatment is required.
• If the dental pulp cannot be saved, root canal treatment is decided.
• Local anesthesia is applied.
• In root canal treatment, the pulp is carefully removed first. The root canal is cleaned and shaped. Afterwards, x-rays are taken again to determine whether the procedure was successful.
• If the treatment is considered successful, the relevant area is disinfected and filled.
• Before the permanent filling process, dentists can wait between 4-5 days for the tooth canal to heal, and in this process, they may prefer temporary fillings instead of permanent fillings.
• In the next session, the temporary tooth filling is carefully removed and a permanent filling is made with rubber-based gutta percha and dental paste.

What should be considered after root canal treatment?

Since the tooth nerves are removed during root canal treatment, it is not possible to feel pain after root canal treatment or to react to external stimuli. However, due to the inflammation of the surrounding tissues, sensitivity may occur in the tooth. This can be alleviated with painkillers prescribed by your dentist. Apart from this, things to consider after root canal treatment;

• Eating after root canal treatment should be at least 2-3 hours after the treatment.
• Root canal treatments can be used for a lifetime if regular maintenance is done. Therefore, care must be taken.
• Consumption of sugary foods that cause caries formation should be reduced.
• It is necessary to see the dentist at least twice a year and have a general dental examination.