Endodontics or root canal treatment is a treatment method that involves removing the pulp (vascular-nerve bundle) inside the tooth that has been damaged by reasons such as caries or trauma, so that the tooth can remain healthy in the mouth. If the damaged pulp is not removed, the risk of infection in the tooth and surrounding tissues may increase. If the inflammation in the pulp is only in the canal, there is a possibility that the tooth is alive. However, if there is inflammation that involves the root tip, it usually means that the tooth has lost its vitality. The success rate of root canal treatments performed on living teeth is higher than on inflamed teeth .

Before starting the root canal treatment, the tooth in question is anesthetized with local anesthesia, so the patient’s pain is reduced and they do not feel pain during the treatment. After the tooth is anesthetized, the pulp is removed with root canal instruments, the canals are shaped, washed, dried and finally the root canals are filled to complete the treatment. While root canal treatment is usually performed in a single session for live teeth, the procedure may take 2-3 sessions for inflamed teeth or for repeated treatments .

After the first session of root canal treatment, when the root canals are cleaned and shaped, an antiseptic substance is placed inside and a dressing is applied. If the patient ‘s symptoms have passed and no new symptoms have appeared, the root canal treatment is complete. It is recommended that the patient not chew until the effect of the local anesthesia has worn off, because the patient may bite the tongue or lip due to numbness .

Pressure on the tooth may cause normal pain for a few days after treatment. This is usually part of the treatment. Antibiotics are not usually required before or during treatment, but if swelling, throbbing pain or discomfort is felt during contact, a physician should be consulted. Acute flare – ups may occasionally occur between treatment sessions in teeth with root apex inflammation, in which case antibiotics may be required .

After root canal treatment is completed, it is important to cover the tooth with a leak – proof superstructure so that it can remain healthy for a long time. If there is serious material loss in the tooth, a crown ( coating ) can be made to protect the tooth. During this process, hard foods should be avoided to prevent the tooth from breaking. A tooth that has successfully completed root canal treatment and has been properly restored can continue to exist in the mouth like other healthy teeth. However, it should not be forgotten that the treated tooth can decay and become infected again, just like normal teeth. For this reason, it is recommended that the patient visits the dentist every 6 months after the treatment for check- ups .

Inflammation of Pulp Tissue :

It may occur due to reasons such as deep dentin caries or severe blows to the teeth. In this case, severe pain may begin in the tooth or the pulp tissue may lose its vitality without pain. In both cases, the tooth needs to be treated. In such cases, “ root canal treatment ” is usually applied. The purpose of root canal treatment is to fill the cavity with tissue – friendly materials after the inflamed pulp tissue is removed. Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia and is a treatment method with a high success rate, usually over 90 percent. Treated teeth can be used in the mouth for many years without any problems after the upper fillings are made .

During the treatment process, radiographs (x-rays) are taken at certain stages to ensure that the root canal is completely filled up to the root tip, and the treatment is completed in this way .

following symptoms can usually be seen in teeth requiring root canal treatment :
Changes in tooth color, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, spontaneous pain that starts especially at night, and swelling ( abscess ) in the face are clinical symptoms that indicate a problem in the pulp tissue. If the necessary root canal treatment is not performed, the pulp tissue, which is located inside the tooth and plays an important role in nourishing and protecting the tissues, may be damaged. This situation leads to the breakdown of the pulp tissue due to reasons such as caries or trauma and the proliferation of bacteria in this area. The proliferation of bacteria may cause infection or abscess formation. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the roots and cause serious problems such as bone loss, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss .

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful ?

During root canal treatment, pain is usually not felt because the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. In rare cases, a condition called “ acute exacerbation ” may occur after treatment, but this is very rare. The patient is informed about this possibility before treatment. After the anesthesia wears off, a very mild pain may be felt, but this passes in a short time. If necessary, painkillers can be used. When pressure is applied to the tooth, a mild pain may be felt, but this will also pass in a short time .

Things to Consider in a Tooth with Root Canal Treatment :

Until the root canal treatment is completed, chewing on a tooth should be avoided. After the filling process is completed, the tooth can participate in normal chewing functions like other healthy teeth. During this period, your dentist can temporarily take protective measures for the chewing surface to prevent the tooth from breaking. These teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can usually remain in the mouth in a healthy manner for a long time and perform their duties .

If there is a new blow to the tooth after root canal treatment, a break in the upper filling, or a deep fracture, the tooth may become infected again. If this situation can be treated, the dentist aims to protect the tooth by repeating the root canal treatment .

When is Root Canal Treatment Performed :

Root canal treatment is applied when it is seen on the X – ray that the decayed tissue has reached the nerve, or in cases where the tooth color changes, excessive sensitivity ( cold or hot ), severe pain that starts at night, and facial abscesses occur, or in cases where the dental nerve is damaged after some trauma .

Working Status After Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is usually performed with local anesthesia. After the procedure, it is recommended that the patient be careful about the risk of biting their tongue or cheek until the anesthesia wears off. However, daily activities can usually be returned to immediately. However, in some cases ( such as pre-treatment pain, swelling, abscess or trauma ), these complaints may not go away immediately after root canal treatment. In this case, the patient may need to rest for a while .