What is Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)?

Canal treatment (endodontics) is a treatment method applied if the nerve in the tooth is damaged to the extent that it cannot regenerate itself.

In Which Situations Is Canal Treatment Applied?

In cases where intervention with filling to tooth decay is insufficient, if there is inflammation, if tooth decay has progressed, if it is painful, root canal treatment is applied to the tooth.

What are the Symptoms of Canal Treatment?

Some symptoms that may indicate that the person needs canal treatment are as follows;

Severe toothache while chewing or applying pressure

Sensitivity to hot or cold (pain)

Tooth discoloration

Swelling and tenderness of nearby gums

In order to be treated, these bruises, which are caused by bacteria and signal with mild pain or do not cause any pain, can only be treated with filling. If they are not treated, bacteria progress to the root and causes inflammation, in which case root canal treatment is required.

Even without any bruising, some causes can result in dental inflammation. Exposure to trauma (severe impact) interrupts the circulation of the tooth and thus loses its vitality over time because the tooth cannot be fed.

Teeth grinding, high fillings and restorations are also among the causes of chronic trauma and can cause inflammation.

At the same time, periodontal (gum and surrounding) diseases that have not been treated for a long time are among the factors affecting the inflammation of the tooth.

How Is The Root Canal Treatment Carried Out?

The treatment consists of various steps that will require multiple sessions depending on the situation. These steps are as follows:

First, a hole is drilled in the back of the anterior tooth or in the crown of the molars or premolars.
After the diseased pulp is removed, the pulp cavity and root canals are cleaned, expanded and shaped for canal filling.

Temporary filling is applied to the hole opened in the crown to protect the tooth between sessions.

The temporary filling is then removed and the pulp cavity and canal are permanently filled. A tapered, rubber material called gutta percha is inserted into each of the channels and usually glued in place with cement (adhesive).

In the last step, the crown is covered over the tooth to restore its natural appearance and shape. If the tooth is broken, it may be necessary to apply post to repair the tooth before placing the crown.

Things to Consider After the Canal Treatment

After the root canal treatment is completed, there are some important issues that patients should pay attention to;

If the root canal treatment is delayed to the second or third session for any reason, the tooth to be treated should be used less until the end of the treatment.

Even if the canal treatment is completely finished, nothing should be eaten or drunk for 1-2 hours.

It is absolutely necessary to avoid hot and cold foods for 3-4 days after canal treatment.

Teeth should be brushed regularly every day after treatment.

It should be used if dental floss or mouthwash has been given by the dentist.