Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment(endodontics) is the treatment of the tooth’s infection, in case of trauma or caries. The nerve through the tooth's root canal has been taken out to treat the infection. Root canal treatment is needed when the infection has spread to the soft tissue and tooth’s apical.

Root canal treatment is needed when the blood and nerve support called pulp of the tooth is infected due to caries or trauma. If the pulp becomes infected, the infection can spread to the root canal system of the tooth. If root canal treatment is not performed, the infection spreads and the tooth may need to be extracted.

Root canal treatment is applied to treat advanced caries, when the tooth is traumatized or infection at the apical of the root. In cases where the pulp is infected, an abscess may occur in the tooth, root canal treatment is applied to clean the abscess. If the abscess is very advanced, the tooth may need to be extracted.

The aim of root canal treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The pulp inside the root is removed,the root canal cleaned and washed with special solutions. When it is sure that infection is prevented, the cleaned root canal is filled with filling materials, the tooth is closed with temporary filling material. A week later, if there is no sign of infection at the control appointment, permanent filling is applied to the tooth. Root canal treatment is a skillful and time-consuming procedure. Root canal treatment usually takes two or more sessions.

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?

For a successful root canal treatment, the infection in the root canal and if any in the soft tissues must be completely eliminated. In such cases, root canal treatment may take several sessions. If there is no severe infection, for example, in the presence of trauma, root canal treatment can be completed in a single session.

Is There Any Pain After Root Canal Treatment?

Before the root canal treatment, the tooth is usually anesthetized using local anesthesia, so that pain does not occur. There may be some sensitivity after treatment, but that will gradually decrease over time.

Things to Consider After Root Canal Treatment

After root canal treatment, nothing should be eaten or drunk until the effect of anesthesia is gone (approximately 3-4 hours). Unless your dentist says otherwise,teeth that have had root canal treatment should be treated like any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks and only consume them at mealtimes if possible. Visit your dentist for regular checkups.

What are the Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment?

An alternative to root canal treatment is the extraction of the tooth. When the pulp is infected, it cannot heal on its own and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth.

How to Prevent Root Canal Treatment?

In order not to need any treatment, it is important to brush your teeth regularly and pay attention to your oral care. Routine check-ups with your dentist will help to prevent such situations.

How much does Root Canal Treatment cost?

Root canal treatment prices vary according to your dentist. It may be necessary to do several sessions to clean the tooth infection from inside the canal, in this case, the cost of root canal treatment may increase. For detailed information, consult your dentist before the procedure.