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Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry where the pulp (nerve and blood vessels) area, which is the inner part of the tooth, is treated. Endodontic treatment is also commonly known as “root canal treatment”.
Root Canal Treatment is Applied in Two Different Types
Root Canal Treatment for Single Rooted Teeth
This type of root canal treatment is single rooted; The anterior incisors or premolars involve treating the pulp area. The process usually involves opening a canal, cleaning, shaping and sterilizing the pulp cavity, followed by filling the root canals.
Root Canal Treatment for Multi-rooted Teeth
This type of root canal treatment is very rooted; involves treating the pulp area of the molars or molars. In multi-rooted teeth, each root canal may need to be treated separately. The process includes opening the root canals, cleaning and shaping the pulp cavity, sterilizing it, and then filling the root canals.
Both types of root canal treatment aim to control the infection of the pulp area and protect the tooth. During treatment, the dentist uses special endodontic
instruments for cleaning and shaping the pulp cavity. Then, the sterilized root canals are filled with a filling material so that no space is left inside the tooth and re-infection is prevented.
Conditions Requiring Endodontic Root Canal Treatment
Pulp Inflammation
The pulp area can become infected as a result of dental caries, a deep injury or trauma. In this case, the pulp becomes inflamed and symptoms such as pain, tenderness and swelling occur.
Intradental abscess
An infected pulp can lead to an abscess in the root tip area of the tooth. In this case, swelling, pain and tenderness may occur around the tooth.
Tooth Fractures or Cracks
If the tooth is broken or cracked, the pulp area can be exposed and infected. In this case, endodontic treatment may be required.
What are the Stages of Endodontic Root Canal Treatment?
Anesthesia
In the first step, local anesthesia is applied around the tooth to numb the area. This ensures that you do not feel pain or discomfort during treatment.
Opening Access
An opening is made on the tooth to gain access to the pulp area of the tooth. This makes it possible to reach the pulp tissue and inside the tooth.
Pulp Cleaning
Pulp tissue and infected materials are removed. In this step, the pulp cavity is thoroughly cleaned and shaped.
Filling Root Canals
Root canals are filled with a special filling material after treatment. This ensures the stability of the tooth without leaving any space inside the tooth and reducing the risk of infection.
Restoration
After the treatment is completed, the access point opened on the tooth is closed with a suitable filling or dental restoration. This helps the tooth regain its normal function.
Endodontic treatment provides protection of the tooth by controlling the infection in the pulp area of the tooth. After treatment, toothache is reduced and the health and function of the tooth is restored. Treatment should be accompanied by good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
What are the Advantages of Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure that includes a conservative treatment approach in which the pulp area, which is the inner part of the tooth, is treated. Some of the advantages of root canal treatment are:
Dental Protection
Root canal treatment protects the tooth by cleaning the infected or inflamed pulp area. If infection and inflammation in the pulp area are not treated, it can cause tooth loss. Root canal treatment keeps the tooth healthy by preserving the original structure of the tooth.
Pain and Discomfort Reduction
Root canal treatment relieves inflammation and irritation of nerve endings in the infected pulp area. In this way, pain, tenderness and other symptoms of discomfort are reduced or eliminated. Since local anesthesia is usually applied during the treatment, you will not feel pain or discomfort.
Preservation of Aesthetic Appearance
Since root canal treatment is performed inside the tooth, it does not affect the external aesthetic appearance. The natural structure of the tooth is preserved and there is no color or shape change in the tooth.
Maintaining Tooth Function
Thanks to root canal treatment, the original structure of the tooth is preserved and the normal function of the tooth is maintained. This does not affect chewing, speech and other oral functions.
Long Term Solution
Root canal treatment, when applied successfully, provides a long-term solution to keeping the tooth healthy. When regular oral hygiene and dentist controls are followed after the treatment, the root canal treated tooth can usually be used for many years.
Tooth Loss Prevention
Root canal treatment prevents tooth loss by protecting the tooth. In the case of tooth loss, problems associated with missing teeth can arise, such as shifting of the surrounding teeth or melting of the jawbones. Root canal treatment prevents such problems from occurring by preventing the loss of the tooth.
Considering these advantages, root canal treatment in appropriate cases is an effective treatment option to protect the tooth and maintain oral health. However, since every situation is different, the appropriate treatment plan should be determined as a result of a dentist’s examination and evaluation.
Root canal treatment can be performed at different stages and times, depending on the dentist’s assessment of the patient’s condition and determining the appropriate treatment plan. In any case, it is important to consult a dentist for more information and guidance on the treatment process and expectations.
What Should Be Considered After Endodontics?
Generally, endodontic treatment does not end in one session. If your treatment is not completed in one session, try not to use this tooth until the next session.
Do not consume any food or drink for the first 2 hours after endodontics is completed. Even if the treatment is completely finished, make sure that what you eat and drink for a few days is not excessively cold or hot so that there are no problems such as pain in your teeth.
The most important point you should pay attention to after the treatment should be oral care. A patient who disrupts oral care is likely to see infection and caries in another tooth.
Toothbrush, dental floss and antiseptic mouthwash are required for oral care. Even if most people do not care about flossing, it is a very effective care method to prevent tooth decay.
As Dentist Begüm Arabacı and her expert team, we determine the most suitable treatment and applications for you in our clinic located in Istanbul Kadıköy Suadiye, we aim to give you the best results by keeping your oral and dental health in the foreground.