What is Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)?

Endodontic treatment or root canal treatment in common language; It is a treatment method to save a decayed or infected tooth. Endodontic treatment is not applied to every tooth decay. Tooth root canal treatment is applied in cases where the intervention to the tooth decay with filling is insufficient, if there is inflammation, if the tooth decay has progressed, if it is painful and painful.

 

If tooth decay is not treated in a timely manner, the decay progresses deeper and causes inflammation of the nerves in the tooth. Inflammation of the dental nerves can cause severe toothache, problems such as darkening of the tooth, sensitivity to hot and cold may occur.

There is a hard enamel tissue on the outside of the teeth, and a cavity consisting of a bundle of vessels and nerves extending along the tooth root on the inside. The tissues that give vitality and life to the tooth are the vessels and nerves called pulp, located in this space in the center of the tooth. During root canal treatment, the soft tissue in the natural cavity called the root canal in the hard tissue of the tooth, namely the pulp and the dental nerve, is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, and then the opened space is filled. 

The extracted tooth nerve is not vital for dental health and function, but removal prevents the person from experiencing severe pain. This nerve is a sensory nerve used only for the perception of heat and cold. 

Contrary to what is known, the patient does not feel pain during root canal treatment. In root canal treatment, as in filling treatment, the tooth and surrounding tissues are effectively anesthetized and the procedure is usually completed within 1 hour. Thanks to the development of devices and systems used to expand root canals, the duration of root canal treatment has been shortened and the process has become easier.

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Root Canal Treatment WhyMakes?

The nerve or pulp of a tooth can be destroyed, inflamed, and infected by deep caries, a crack or fracture in the tooth, or facial trauma. The damaged pulp or nerve of the tooth is destroyed, so bacteria begin to multiply in the root canal.

Bacteria and other decayed debris can cause infection or a dental abscess. An abscess is an inflamed sac and occurs when the infection spreads to the end of the root tips of the tooth. An abscess in the tooth causes severe pain in the person. In addition to causing an infection in the root canal, the abscess can also cause swelling that can spread to the face, neck, or other parts of the head, bone loss around the root of the tooth, and drainage problems in the tooth and cheek. 

The treatment of the abscessed tooth as soon as possible is very important for the person to continue their quality of life. With toothache, especially at night, the sleep quality of the person is affected and he may face problems such as distraction during the day.

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In which situations is root canal therapy applied?

Root canal treatment is not performed on every aching or decaying tooth. In order to be able to be treated, these bruises, which are caused by bacteria and signal with mild pain or do not cause pain at all, can only be treated with filling. If the tooth is not treated at this stage, the bacteria progresses to the core of the tooth and causes inflammation, and in this case, root canal treatment is required.

 

Here are some signs that may indicate a person needs root canal treatment:

• Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure

• Sensitivity to hot or cold (pain)

• discoloration of teeth

• Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums

Incompatible restorations, new caries around old fillings, deep caries or accidental nerve and vascular tissue of the tooth may lose its vitality and become infected.

Even without any caries, some reasons can result in tooth inflammation. Chief among these is exposure to trauma. A violent blow can cut off the circulation of the tooth, and thus the tooth loses its vitality over time as it cannot be fed.

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

However, periodontal (gum and surrounding) diseases that are not treated for a long time are among the factors that cause inflammation of the tooth. In these cases, root canal treatment is considered as a treatment.

 

Treatment Methods

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How make is root treatment?

Root canal treatment can be performed by a dentist or endodontist. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp or nerve.

 

• The first step in root canal treatment is to determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bones by taking an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals.

• The dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area near the tooth. In some cases, anesthesia may not be necessary as the dental nerve dies, but many dentists numb the area to relax the patient and allow the procedure to be performed more smoothly.

• During treatment, he will place a layer of rubber around the tooth to keep that area dry and saliva-free.

• The dentist will then drill an access hole into the root canal. Through this hole, harmful bacteria, decayed nerve tissue and pulp are removed from the tooth. Cleaning is performed using root canal files.

• Files with increasing diameters are used by placing them in this hole, and working along the tooth to scrape and brush the walls of the root canals.

• The micro-residues from here are cleaned regularly. After the inner part of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the opened hole is closed. 

 

 

What is the Pre-Treatment Process?

If the root of the tooth to be rooted is alive and the person does not have a general health problem or a systemic (affecting the whole body) disease, there is no need to use antibiotics before treatment. However, in cases where the infection is advanced and in case of tooth sensitivity, antibiotics may be prescribed by the physician.

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What are the Treatment Stages?

Inflammation in the root canals and surrounding bones is visualized with a dental x-ray.

With local anesthesia, your teeth are numbed. In cases where the nerve is dead, anesthesia is not needed, but your doctor may apply anesthesia to relax you.

A hole is made in the tooth and the pulp tissue is removed with the surrounding bacteria and infected tissue.

Afterwards, the root canals are cleaned and the resulting cavity is filled to prevent re-infection.

Today, digital porcelain filling system can be used for filling the gap in the tooth. These types of fillings are much more effective in terms of supporting the tooth. In other words, the life of the treated tooth is not shortened.

 

Things to Consider After Root Canal Treatment

Some conditions to be considered while gradually improving teeth after root canal treatment: 

 

• It is necessary to avoid biting hard or crusty foods until the root canal treatment is finished.

• It is important to continue with daily dental cleaning without interruption. Considering the sensitivity of the teeth, it is necessary to ensure that the teeth are cleaned by brushing at least 2 times a day with circular movements and gently. Keeping up with daily dental cleaning is essential for both after root canal treatment and for general oral health.

• To prevent possible infections after root canal treatment, it is necessary to floss at least once a day. The use of dental floss is necessary for oral health, as is the use of a toothbrush. When starting to use dental floss, you can benefit from the recommendations of the dentist suitable for your mouth and tooth structure. 

• After the treatment, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of sticky and sugary foods for a while. Sugars are one of the most important causes of dental caries. Sugar consumption should be limited for both oral and whole body health. Sugar is not only in products such as chocolate and wafers; It is found in many beverages and packaged products.

• After endodontic treatment, pain relievers or sprays recommended by the physician should be used regularly. If the painkillers or sprays used do not reduce the pain, you can consult your doctor as soon as possible.