Root Canal Treatment

In the inner part of the tooth, there are veins and nerves (pulp tissue) that have an important role in the nutrition and protection of dental tissues. This area called pulp tissue. It starts from the crown (visible area) of the tooth and extends to the root tip. The branch of science that deals with the treatment of this area is endodontics. The pulp can become inflamed due to untreated cavities or severe blows to the teeth. (pulpits) Extreme sensitivity to cold and heat in the tooth, color change, severe pain especially at night and abscess on the face indicate a problem in the pulp tissue.

How long does root canal treatment take, how is root canal treatment performed?

Root canal treatment is performed in one or two sessions depending on the damage to the tooth. If the infection in the tooth is very widespread, root canal treatment can be completed in three sessions. 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 of the tooth pulp or dental nerve.

The first step in root canal treatment is to take an x-ray to see the shape of the root canal and to check for any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Your dentist or endodontist then uses local anesthesia to numb the area next to the tooth. Anesthesia may not be necessary because the nerve is dead, but most dentists prefer to numb the area to make the patient more comfortable and relaxed. Your dentist then places a waterproof material around the tooth to keep the area dry and free of saliva during treatment.

In the next step, an opening will be drilled into the tooth to reach the infected area. The pulp, along with bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and related infectious debris in this area are removed from the tooth. In order to clean the canal completely and fill it effectively, the canal needs to be widened.

Root canal tools that resemble nail files are used to widen the canal. This process is called root canal filing. Since the nerves are removed during this procedure, the patient does not feel any pain. Water or sodium hypochlorite compounds are used periodically to clean both the debris accumulated during the filing process and the remaining debris inside.

After the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it should be sealed. Some dentists prefer to wait a week before permanently filling the tooth. For example, if an infection is suspected, your dentist may put a special medicine inside the tooth to eliminate the infection. Other dentists may prefer to close the tooth on the same day it is cleaned. If the root canal treatment is not completed on the same day, a temporary filling is placed in the cavity in the teeth to prevent residues such as saliva and food from filling.

Filling this cavity after the inside of the tooth is completely cleaned is important both to prevent new infections and to strengthen the tooth. A rubber compound called gutta percha is used to fill the inside of the tooth. Gutta percha is a substance that resembles a thin rod but does not cause a reaction in the body. Before this material is placed, the dryness of the tooth canal is ensured with paper points and the length of the opened canals is measured with a special tool. Gutta perchas are adjusted according to this length and the excess is cut with heat. Although gutta percha is the substance that fills the main cavity of the root canal, additional mixtures must be used to prevent leakage and to fix it. As a result of the procedure, the opened hole is closed and the root canal treatment is completed. Depending on the damage to the tooth, a restoration technique known as filling is applied among the public. The correct application of the restoration is one of the factors affecting the success of the root canal treatment.

Is there pain during root canal treatment?

Root canal treatments are thought to be painful, but in fact, root canal treatments do not cause more pain than a simple filling procedure. However, since each person's pain threshold is different, it would not be correct to claim that no pain is felt. The patient may feel discomfort and sensitivity in some cases during the procedure. The discomfort felt is not due to the procedure itself, but to the inflammatory condition there.

Is there pain after root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a treatment performed to relieve pain and save the tooth. Especially if there is pain or infection before the procedure, that tooth may be sensitive for a few days. This sensitivity or discomfort can usually be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Most patients return to their normal activities the next day.

Things to consider after root canal treatment
 

• If root canal treatment is not completed in the first session, the relevant tooth should be avoided until the treatment is completed.
• Even if the root canal treatment is completely completed, nothing should be eaten or drunk for at least two hours after the procedure.
• Avoiding extremely hot and cold drinks will provide comfort to the patient, as there may be sensitivity for a day or two. When it comes to oral health care, in addition to general care rules such as brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash, it is also important to visit the dentist regularly.