Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment is a method aimed at saving problematic or decayed teeth. The dental nerves, which help the teeth grow, are known as the pulp tissue. During the growth of the teeth, we use endodontic techniques to treat any damage or inflammation that occurs in the pulp tissue. Izmir Root Canal Treatment is applied to clean infections and other diseases that have spread to the dental pulp. When the pulp is unable to heal itself and leads to infections in the tooth root, the root canal treatment cleans out these infections. Bacteria caused by deep decay or fractures in the teeth are thoroughly removed through root canal treatment. For those interested in one of the most important procedures in maintaining oral health, detailed information on root canal treatment is provided in this article.

What Conditions Require Root Canal Treatment?

The situations where endodontic treatment (root canal) is necessary are as follows:

Spontaneous pain in the teeth,
Severe toothaches at night that do not respond to painkillers,
Sensitivity to hot and cold or pain when the tooth is touched,
Inflammation in the gums, around the teeth, or surrounding tissues,
Effects such as fistulas or tooth discoloration due to tooth infection.

These conditions are thoroughly examined by our specialists, and root canal treatment is initiated based on their evaluation. After the treatment, the problems patients experience are resolved, and oral health is restored.

How Is Root Canal Treatment Performed?

The steps for performing endodontic treatment are detailed below:

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or sedation is applied to numb the tooth.
Pulpectomy: Once the tooth is completely numb, our specialists begin treating the pulp (nerve tissue), completing the procedure in about an hour.
Cleaning Decay: After treating the pulp, any decay in the tooth is removed.
Cleaning Infected Pulp: The inflamed pulp tissue is cleaned, and the infected nerves are removed. The remaining nerve and root tissues in the root canal are also cleaned.
Widening and Irrigation: After cleaning, the canals are widened, and the root canal is flushed with solutions to ensure thorough cleaning.
Filling and Sealing: Once the root canal is cleaned and healed, appropriate filling material is placed in the canal, sealing it from air exposure.

After the root canal treatment, a crown or filling material is used to cover the treated tooth to protect it and restore its functionality.

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?

The duration of endodontic (root canal) treatment varies depending on the extent of damage to the patient’s teeth. Based on the condition of the tooth, the treatment can be completed in one or two sessions, but in cases where the infection is more severe, it may extend to three sessions. The first step of root canal treatment involves taking an X-ray of the patient’s jaw to determine the condition and shape of the root canals. Once the canals are identified, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area, and each session typically lasts about 1 hour.

Is There Pain During Root Canal Treatment?

There is generally no pain during root canal treatment, and patients do not feel anything during the procedure. While no discomfort is felt during the treatment, the post-treatment filling process may cause mild pain similar to that experienced with fillings. The local anesthesia used in root canal treatment continues to be effective for several hours after the procedure, minimizing any pain in the tooth. For some patients, there may be no pain at all, depending on their pain tolerance. Any pain or sensitivity felt during the procedure is usually due to the inflammation in the canal.

What Should Be Considered After Root Canal Treatment?

Here are the key points patients need to follow after root canal treatment to ensure its success:

If the treatment is not completed in one session, avoid chewing or biting with the treated tooth until the final session is done.
Refrain from eating or drinking for at least 2 hours after the procedure.
Sensitivity in the treated area may persist for 1 or 2 days. During this time, avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods and drinks.
Maintain proper oral hygiene after the treatment. Neglecting oral care could lead to reinfection in the treated area.
Follow the specific tooth-brushing techniques recommended by your dentist to keep the treated area clean regularly.

It is essential for patients to attend regular check-ups after the procedure to ensure that oral health is maintained and that there are no further complications.

What Are the Success Rates of Endodontic Treatment?

The success rate and potential complications following root canal treatment are as follows:

The success rate of endodontic treatment is approximately 95%. After the procedure, patients typically regain their oral and dental health in a relatively short time.
In cases where teeth have more root canals than initially identified, there is a possibility that one or more root canals may not be fully cleaned.
If an undetected crack is present in the tooth root, the infection may spread to other teeth.
If bacteria bypass the restoration and reach the inner roots of the teeth, there is a risk of reinfection in the tooth roots.

Proper follow-up and care are essential to minimize these risks and ensure the long-term success of the treatment.