Root canal treatment is generally a dental procedure that causes fear in patients and is thought to be difficult. However, contrary to common belief, patients do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Root canal treatment applied with modern techniques is preferred to protect oral dental health and ensure patient comfort. If not performed in time, root canal treatment may lead to permanent tooth and bone loss.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a method used to treat deep tooth decay and fractures that cannot be treated with fillings. During this treatment, the damaged part inside the tooth, called the pulp, is removed, and the progression of tooth infection is prevented.
In the pulp, also known as the core of the tooth, there are blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves.
If tooth decay progresses to the pulp, infection begins to develop in the area, causing severe toothaches. If the infected pulp is not treated in time, the infection may spread and lead to dental abscesses. In later stages, pulp death can occur, leading to tooth or bone loss. Such deep cracks and decays in the mouth can be saved with the root canal treatment method.
When Is Root Canal Treatment Applied?
Root canal treatment is not always the first choice, but some tooth decays may be too severe to be treated with traditional methods. Especially deep fractures and cracks that extend into the tooth and reach the underlying nerves cannot be treated with fillings. In cases where the pulp is infected, root canal treatment must be applied and the deep structural damage in the area must be removed. Some of the symptoms that require root canal treatment are:
- Swelling of the face and neck
- Cracked teeth
- Deep cavities
- Swelling in the gums
- Pain when chewing and biting
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
- Sores on the gums
- Referred tooth pain
- Dark-colored gums
How Is Root Canal Treatment Done?
The main purpose of root canal treatment is to save the tooth that is close to dying and ensure the continuation of oral comfort in the patient. For this, decays and infections extending into the tooth’s pulp must be cleaned. Since nerves are located in the pulp, the operation involves removing the infection from the tooth. After cleaning, the existing canals are shaped, filled, and the tooth regains its function. Root canal treatment usually takes two sessions, and the steps vary depending on the tooth’s general condition. The procedure is generally carried out as follows:
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First, an X-ray is taken to see the condition of the tooth root and detect whether there is an infection.
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If the tooth pulp is severely damaged, root canal treatment is initiated.
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Local anesthesia is administered to the patient, and the pulp, which is the core of the tooth, is removed.
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Then, the cleaning and shaping of the root canal begin.
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At the end of the first session, which takes about 45 minutes, another X-ray is taken to observe the condition of the canals.
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If the procedure is successful, the second session begins, and the canals are filled with permanent material. Usually, a period of 4–5 days is left between the two sessions to allow healing, during which a temporary filling is applied. Afterwards, the tooth is filled with permanent material.
With regular medication use and proper dental care after the procedure, no pain or discomfort is felt. Therefore, root canal treatment is not as difficult as commonly believed.
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