Endodontics (Canal Treatment)
It is a treatment method applied in cases where the nerve (pulp) in the inner part of the tooth is damaged or dies to the extent that it cannot be healed due to reasons such as caries or trauma. It is the process of removing the nerves inside the tooth, shaping the channels inside the tooth roots, clearing them of microorganisms, and then filling the expanded channels. Then, restorations such as fillings and porcelain crown inlays are made on the upper part of the tooth, as deemed appropriate by the physician, depending on the loss of material, and the aesthetic and functional continuity of the tooth is ensured. Why is root canal treatment performed?
Why is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
Impact to the tooth or jaw,
Pain caused by deep caries,
Advanced gum diseases,
Filling and prosthetic structures that are made high and the bite is not fully adjusted,
Incorrectly applied orthodontic treatments
The tooth remaining in the mouth after root canal treatment is dead in that area, but at least it will continue its chewing function as your own tooth, thus preventing the melting of the jaw bones while the bone in that area remains active.
How long does the tooth with root canal treatment last?
Root canal treatment is a treatment performed to prevent tooth extraction and gives the tooth its last chance. As a result of a root canal treatment performed under appropriate conditions, the tooth can function in the mouth for a lifetime. However, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment may be more fragile than natural teeth.
The average success rate of a root canal treatment performed properly and according to the rules is over 90% - 95%. As with every medical intervention, 100% success cannot be guaranteed in this treatment method. In case the root canal device breaks during the treatment or the root canals cannot be cleaned completely (root blockage, etc.), root canal treatment is tried again and if it is not successful, the tooth is tried to be saved with surgical procedures.
How is root canal treatment done and how long does it take?
The patient is anesthetized, the tooth decay is cleaned and a cavity is opened inside the tooth. The pulp chamber is reached and the canals from this part of the tooth are entered with special tools and various procedures are applied to clean them from bacteria and disinfect them.
In some cases, root canal treatment can be done in a single session, whereas in abscessed and inflamed teeth, the treatment takes longer as this situation is tried to be relieved by dressings. This process may take several sessions. After the tooth has healed, the canal filling is completed. Thanks to the electronic devices and materials used today, treatment duration and success are better.
Things to consider during root canal treatment
Do not use your teeth to chew hard foods between root canal treatment sessions. Since your tooth has a temporary filling, your tooth may break. You may complain of pain between sessions. Consult your physician for dressing. Your face may swell between sessions. There is nothing to worry about, this is a reaction caused by microorganisms and is corrected with dressings. Notify your physician.
What happens after root canal treatment?
After your root canal treatment is completed, you may complain of pain when you press on your tooth, as the inflammation in the natural tissues will last for a few days. You should not strain that area during this period. After a while, your complaint will disappear, and if necessary, you can use painkillers recommended by your doctor. If this situation does not go away and continues to increase, consult your doctor. Since teeth undergoing root canal treatment lose their vitality, their flexibility decreases. Therefore, the risk of breakage afterwards is very high. Please consider your doctor's recommendations for the most suitable restoration that will allow you to use this tooth for a long time (see porcelain crowns, endo-crowns).