Endodontics

Endodontics deals with the root canals and microscopic tissue damage of a tooth that are not visible from the outside; it eliminates intradental infections, thus saving the tooth from extraction.

The goal of endodontics (root canal treatment) is to preserve infected or non-vital teeth by cleaning out the microorganisms inside them, rather than extracting them. Thanks to endodontic treatment, the tooth retains its position within the jawbone, chewing function continues, and the shifting of neighboring teeth is prevented, thus preserving general oral health and integrity.

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that studies and treats diseases, injuries, and problems in the vascular and nerve bundle located inside the teeth, called the 'pulp'. This branch of medicine, commonly known as root canal treatment, aims to preserve the functional existence of infected or vital teeth and allow them to remain in the mouth by preventing their extraction. Endodontics (root canal treatment) has become a routine procedure today, performed painlessly and with a high success rate, thanks to advanced technological devices.

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What does endodontics deal with?

An endodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the pulp, the soft tissue in the center of a tooth, and the tissues surrounding the tooth (periodontal tissues). Endodontics, a branch of dentistry that focuses on the deepest anatomical parts of the tooth, works to reduce tooth loss

Endodontics deals with the following conditions:

Cleaning of inflamed pulp tissues due to deep caries.
Preserving or restoring the vitality of teeth damaged by trauma.
Medical or surgical treatment of cysts and abscesses that form in the tooth root.
Renewal of previous failed root canal treatments
Whitening of discolored root canal treated teeth from the inside (intracoronal whitening)
Root tip surgery (apical resection) procedures

What is the purpose of Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal Treatment)?

Endodontic treatment prevents the infection from spreading to the jawbone, thus saving the tooth from extraction. Even if the nerves of the tooth are removed, the tooth continues to be attached to the jawbone with its root, which helps preserve chewing function and aesthetics. The advantages of root canal treatment are as follows:

Preservation of natural teeth: It allows a person to continue using their own teeth without the need for artificial prostheses such as implants or bridges.
Controlling the infection: It prevents inflammation from damaging surrounding tissues, gums, and jawbone.
Pain management: It improves the patient's quality of life by eliminating severe toothache and pressure sensitivity.
Preservation of chewing function: By keeping the tooth in the mouth, it helps maintain normal biting force.

When is Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment) Necessary?

Root canal treatment is unavoidable when a tooth is damaged to the point where it cannot heal on its own and the pulp tissue has become irreversibly inflamed. Early intervention significantly increases the chances of saving the tooth. Root canal treatment is necessary in the following cases:

Severe toothaches that wake you up at night or that start spontaneously.
Long-lasting sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
A sharp pain felt when the tooth is touched or during chewing.
Swelling in the gums, fistula formation or pimple-like structures, abscesses
Darkening and discoloration of the tooth
Exposure or damage to the tooth's pulp as a result of an accident or trauma.

How is Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment) Performed?

Root canal treatment is the process of removing problematic microorganisms from the tooth and sealing the empty root canals. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel any pain. Root canal treatment consists of the following stages:

Anesthesia and preparation are carried out. The affected tooth and surrounding tissues are numbed, preventing contact between the tooth and saliva.
An access hole is drilled in the crown of the tooth to reach the nerves.
Infected nerves in the root canals are cleaned, and the canals are widened using specialized rotary instruments.
The channels are cleaned and disinfected by washing them with antibacterial solutions to eliminate germs.
The cleaned channels are then filled with biocompatible materials to create a leak-proof and airtight system.
The top of the tooth is covered with a filling, onlay, or porcelain, depending on the extent of the damage.

How long does endodontic (root canal) treatment take?

Thanks to current endodontic techniques, root canal treatment is usually completed in a single session, but the duration and number of sessions may vary depending on the condition of the tooth and the extent of the infection. The shortest root canal treatment can be completed within 45 minutes, but in more complex cases, the process can take up to 2-3 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontics

Is there any pain during root canal treatment?

Thanks to local anesthesia, no pain is felt during root canal treatment; mild pain and tooth sensitivity after the procedure are normal.

Will a root canal treated tooth last a lifetime?

With proper treatment and good oral hygiene, a root canal treated tooth can last a lifetime.

Is it more sensible to have a tooth extracted than to have root canal treatment?

No, preserving a person's natural teeth is always a priority for chewing function and jawbone health.

Why do teeth turn dark after root canal treatment?

Because the living tissue inside the tooth is removed, the color may become dull over time, but this can be corrected with internal whitening.

Can a root canal treated tooth decay again?

Yes, even though a tooth doesn't have a nerve, its outer surface can decay; therefore, brushing and flossing should not be neglected.

Is root canal treatment possible during pregnancy?

In emergency situations, root canal treatment can be safely performed during the second trimester (3-6 months) of pregnancy with the approval of a gynecologist, but the final decision must be made by the gynecologist.