Root Canal Treatment

The nerves in the dental tissue can lose their vitality due to many factors, and accordingly the teeth become open to infection. In such cases, where there is irreversible deterioration in the health of the nerve tissues in the region, the application to eliminate the pain problem caused by the infected tissues and to protect the health of the surrounding tissues is called root canal treatment. This treatment; It is achieved by cleaning the nerve tissues that have lost their vitality, disinfecting the canals in the tooth with special materials and filling the canal with a filling material that will adapt to the canal. Thanks to the techniques and materials used in root canal treatment today, most infections in the root of the tooth can be treated without the need for tooth extraction.

In which cases should root canal treatment be done?

Dental caries that are not treated for a long time can progress to the nerve tissue and cause the tissue to lose its health. When a fracture occurs in the tooth as a result of trauma, nerve tissue may be exposed and infection may occur in this vulnerable tissue. In addition, the sudden pressure caused by trauma can also cause nerves to lose their vitality. In orthodontic treatment, if a force far above the ideal intensity is applied, this force may cause trauma to the tooth and damage the nerve tissue. Advanced gum diseases can sometimes affect the nerve tissue of the tooth. If the sensitivity of the tooth as a result of advanced wear continues for a long time, the nerve tissue may be irreversibly affected. In all these cases, the health of the nerve tissue can be determined by various examinations and it can be decided to perform root canal treatment.

What symptoms are observed in teeth that need root canal treatment?

In teeth that require root canal treatment, the disease can sometimes progress in the mouth without symptoms. In this case, damage to the tissues can be observed in radiographic examinations. In cases where there is a symptom, hot-cold sensitivity, pain that starts independently from any stimulus, and color change in the teeth may occur. Pain that increases in intensity in the evening hours and cannot be relieved with painkillers; It is the most important indicator of infection in nerve tissues. These infections can also cause abscess formation around the root of the tooth if left untreated for a long time.

How does the root canal treatment process proceed?

Root canal treatment can sometimes be performed in a single session, depending on the condition of the tooth. However, in severe infections, several sessions may be necessary to provide optimal treatment. The treatment can be applied painlessly by applying local anesthesia. While the mechanical cleaning of the tooth is ensured by removing the decayed tooth tissue and then the infected nerve tissue, the disinfection of the canals is supported with special washing solutions. In cases where more than one session is required, dressings with drugs are applied between sessions to improve the root and root tip. After the proper shape for the canal filling is given and the expected healing is achieved, the treatment is completed with the placement of the special filling material. The restoration to be made on the tooth may vary depending on the loss of material. While minimal losses can be treated with filling, veneer application in teeth with more material loss or performing the crowning process with support from the root of the tooth, called post application, may be preferred. After the treatment, minimal pain and tenderness may occur during the healing process of the tissues. This pain will go away completely within a few weeks as the tissues regain their health.

What should be considered during the root canal treatment process?

After the treatment sessions, nothing should be eaten or drunk until the effect of the local anesthesia wears off. A tooth whose nerves have been removed becomes invulnerable to impacts in the period before filling procedures. For this reason, it is important to avoid hard and sticky foods during the treatment process and to avoid high force on this area. It is also very important to preserve the temporary filling between treatment sessions. If this filling falls off, the dentist should be informed and the temporary filling should be reapplied.