Root Canal

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, refers to the removal of the damaged or infected pulp of a tooth, disinfecting the tooth, and then re-sealing it with a filling. Located at the innermost part of the tooth, the pulp can be thought of as a soft core. The pulp extends to the root tip of the teeth and contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. In cases where the tooth is cracked by a blow or deep decay occurs, bacteria enter the pulp and begin to multiply there. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause a serious infection or dental abscess, leading to pulp death and bone or tooth loss. In such a case, root canal treatment is applied to the cracked or decayed tooth to save the tooth. Therefore, the biggest advantage of root canal treatment is to save the dead tooth and not lose the bone structure of the tooth.

Some symptoms of conditions requiring root canal treatment can be listed as follows:

• Swelling in the face and neck
• Persistent tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Pimple-like sores on the gums
• Chapped teeth
• Swelling of the gums
• Reflected toothache
• Deep bruises
• Darkened gums

During root canal treatment, the tooth nerves are removed along with the inflamed tissue. Therefore, the tooth is not affected by external stimuli. However, especially in cases where pain or infection was present before the procedure, the tooth may feel sensitive due to tissue inflammation after the treatment. This is usually alleviated with painkillers prescribed by the doctor. The success rate of root canal treatment is quite high. A treated tooth can be used for a lifetime with regular care.