ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is necessary if infection occurs in the pulp tissue, which provides blood and nerve support to the teeth, due to caries or injury. There is no pain in the initial stages of infection. In some cases, the color of the teeth becomes darker, which means that the nerves of the tooth have lost their vitality. Such cases require root canal treatment.

Why is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

If the pulp tissue is infective, the infection may spread to the root canal system of the tooth. This may cause an inflammatory formation (abscess) at the root tip. An abscess is an inflammatory condition caused by the collection of pus that causes swelling in the tissues surrounding the tooth. Symptoms of an abscess range from a dull ache to severe pain, and there may be tooth sensitivity during chewing. If root canal treatment is not done on time, the infection will spread more and the tooth may need to be extracted.

What Does Root Canal Treatment Include?

The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove all the infection in the root canal. The canal is then thoroughly cleaned and filled with special materials to prevent future infections. Root canal treatment is a tiring and time-consuming procedure. In many cases, two or more appointments can be arranged by your dentist. At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. If there is any abscess, it can be dried at this stage. After the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and shaped, it is made ready for filling. The tooth is closed with a temporary filling material and the materials in the canal are waited for complete hardening.

Will Teeth Be Safe After Treatment?

Yes. However, a tooth that has lost its vitality is fragile and may need a veneer after root canal treatment to increase its strength and support.

What Happens If Discomfort Recurs After Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment usually produces good results. However, if the infection recurs, treatment may need to be repeated. In rare cases where the inflammation is at the root tip, a small part of the root tip is surgically treated by removing the existing inflammation. The resulting gap is filled with tissue-friendly materials or left empty. This minor operation is called “apical resection”.