Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)
Endodontics (root canal treatment) is a dental procedure that treats the pulp of a tooth when it becomes infected or damaged. If teeth are not brushed properly, acids that build up in the mouth begin to damage the enamel layer, leading to tooth decay. If left untreated, this decay can reach the living nerve (pulp) of the tooth, causing inflammation and severe toothache. The pressure caused by the inflammation of the tooth's nerve can increase the pain, especially at night, and cause significant distress.
In such cases, root canal treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the root canals and filling them with special filling materials to restore the tooth. It is a process that requires about four years of neglected dental care, resulting in extensive decay and material loss in the tooth, eventually reaching the nerve. Sometimes the root of a tooth is inaccessible due to extreme curvature, making root canal treatment impossible and tooth extraction may be necessary. To prevent this from happening, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day and have regular dental check-ups.
When is root canal treatment done?
Endodontics and root canal treatment are procedures related to the treatment of the root canals of teeth. Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is performed when the vital tissue of the tooth, known as the pulp, is damaged and cannot repair itself. The pulp, which is surrounded by dentin in the root and crown of the tooth, has moulding, nourishing and protective functions. Broken teeth and deep cavities can cause inflammation of the pulp. If the inflamed pulp is not removed, it can lead to infection of the tooth and surrounding tissues, causing severe and excruciating pain and even tooth loss if left untreated. Endodontic treatment involves removing, cleaning and disinfecting the living or dead tissue in the root canals and filling them all the way to the root tip using special endodontic instruments.
What are the signs that a root canal treatment is needed?
The following symptoms may indicate the need for root canal treatment:
- Sensitivity and pain with hot or cold food and drink
- Pain at night that disturbs sleep
- Throbbing pain similar to a pulsating sensation
- Pain when chewing
- Swelling around the tooth
- Excessive discolouration between the affected tooth and neighbouring teeth
- Severe tooth decay
- Pain when touching, biting or pressing the tooth
- Broken tooth
Before a diagnosis of root canal treatment or endodontics is made, various tests are carried out. These tests include placing hot and cold objects on the tooth (vitality test), gently tapping the tooth with a hard instrument (percussion), and applying gentle pressure to the surrounding tissues of the tooth (palpation). After these tests, an X-ray of the tooth is taken. Depending on the condition of the tooth, an electrical pulp test may also be performed to determine the health of the pulp. Once the necessary assessments have been made, the treatment procedure will be explained and initiated by an endodontist (root canal specialist).
How is root canal treatment carried out?
Root canal treatment involves the following steps:
- If the pulp is alive, a local anaesthetic is given.
- Before the root canal treatment, an x-ray is taken to determine the anatomy of the tooth.
- If there is decay, it is completely removed.
- The length of the root is determined using electronic instruments (apex locator).
- Infected tissue and micro-organisms in the root canal are cleaned with rotating instruments.
- The shaped root canal system is disinfected with antibacterial solutions.
- After taking control radiographs, the canals are filled with gutta-percha and sealant.
-percha and sealant.
- Finally, restorative materials are used to rebuild the lost structure of the tooth.
How should root canal treated teeth be cared for after treatment?
After root canal treatment, the tooth may feel slightly uncomfortable, but this is usually short-lived. If you avoid using the treated tooth for a while, the pain will soon disappear. A tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment can be used for a long time, much like an untreated tooth. However, without proper care, root canal treated teeth can decay or break just like other teeth. After root canal treatment, the crown of the tooth is usually weakened. A weakened tooth is vulnerable to vertical and horizontal forces from the outside. It is therefore important to provide the tooth with a durable restoration to prevent fractures. The ideal restorative treatment for root canal treated teeth is CAD/CAM inlays/onlays as they can repair the lost tooth structure and provide optimal treatment.
Traditional fillings are less durable and more susceptible to potential fractures and impacts. CAD/CAM inlays/onlays are a better option to ensure the long-term health and preservation of teeth without fractures.
- After taking control radiographs, the canals are filled with gutta-percha and sealants.
-percha and sealants.
- Finally, the lost structure of the tooth is restored with restorative materials.
How should root canal teeth be cared for after treatment?
After root canal treatment, the tooth may feel slightly uncomfortable, but this is usually short-lived. If you avoid using the treated tooth for a while, the pain will soon disappear. A tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment can be used for a long time, much like an untreated tooth. However, without proper care, root canal treated teeth can decay or break just like other teeth. After root canal treatment, the crown of the tooth is usually weakened. A weakened tooth is vulnerable to vertical and horizontal forces from the outside. It is therefore important to provide the tooth with a durable restoration to prevent fractures. The ideal restorative treatment for root canal treated teeth is CAD/CAM inlays/onlays as they can repair the lost tooth structure and provide optimal treatment. Traditional fillings are less durable and more susceptible to potential fractures and impacts. CAD/CAM inlays/onlays are a better option to ensure the long-term health and preservation of teeth without fractures.