What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, can be defined as a dental procedure applied to treat infection, decay, or inflammation within the inner part of the tooth and to prevent new infections from forming. Infections in the root canal at the centre of the tooth are caused by bacteria present in the mouth that invade the tooth. During root canal treatment, the inflamed, dead or damaged pulp tissue is removed, the root canal is cleaned, and then filled. This preserves the tooth and prevents tooth loss. Root canal treatment is a frequently used treatment method that is safe and successful when performed by specialist dentists.
Root Canal Treatment
Contents
What is Root Canal Treatment? What are the Stages of Root Canal Treatment?
Tooth decay is one of the most serious problems when it comes to oral and dental issues, affecting children, adolescents and adults alike, regardless of age. Although it is a problem that can be controlled in its early stages, decayed teeth can lead to much more serious problems and therefore require extensive treatment if not addressed in time. The most widely known of these treatment methods is root canal treatment. Also known as endodontic treatment, root canal treatment can be defined, in short, as a dental procedure performed to treat infection, decay, or inflammation inside the tooth and to prevent new infections from forming. Infections in the root canal at the centre of the tooth are caused by bacteria in the mouth that invade the tooth. During root canal treatment, the inflamed, dead or damaged pulp tissue is removed, the root canal is cleaned, and then filled. This preserves the tooth and prevents tooth loss. Root canal treatment is a frequently used treatment method that is safe and successful when performed by specialist dentists.
Before delving into a detailed examination of root canal treatment, it is necessary to take a closer look at why tooth decay occurs, which necessitates root canal treatment. Tooth decay occurs due to the deterioration and erosion of the enamel, which forms the outer layer of the tooth. The most common cause of this is the formation of harmful plaque that accumulates on the teeth, especially after consuming sugary foods and drinks. The bacteria in this plaque produce acids that gradually eat away at the tooth enamel, exposing the underlying bone and leaving the teeth vulnerable. Although these cavities can be repaired in the early stages by the beneficial minerals in your salivary glands and the fluoride in your toothpaste, if the decay is advanced, it may be necessary to consult an endodontist. Side effects such as excessive tooth sensitivity, infection, or damage to the tooth root require medical intervention. Following this examination, which often results in root canal treatment, the most suitable treatment method for you will be determined.
Root canals are channels that begin in the pulp and extend down towards the root. Root canal treatment is based on the principle of cleaning these canals. These structures, also known as root canals, are located in the pulp. Damage to the tooth enamel and dentine can lead to infection and inflammation of the pulp and root canals, damage due to deep decay, and even necrosis, or death, of the pulp.
Root canal treatment is a procedure used to repair and save a tooth that is decayed, inflamed, or infected. The pulp and nerves inside the tooth can become irritated, inflamed, die, or become infected due to decay. The main reasons for the inner part of the tooth being affected can be described as deepening decay, cracks or fractures in the tooth enamel, or damage to the tooth due to trauma to the face. Root canal treatment is a treatment method used to eliminate bacteria in the inflamed, infected root canal and prevent the tooth from becoming infected again, thereby preserving the natural tooth. The root canal treatment process involves entering the root canal, removing the infected pulp, and carefully cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth. Finally, the tooth is filled and sealed to prevent reinfection. Although root canal treatment is often feared, thanks to techniques developed today, it is accepted as a treatment method that makes it possible to preserve the natural tooth comfortably.
Root canal treatment is a procedure that can be performed in one or more sessions. This treatment, which must be performed by an experienced dentist, requires a personalised plan for each individual.
X-Ray and Diagnosis
In the first stage of treatment, an X-ray is taken to assess the condition of the root canals. This X-ray is also used to check for any infection in the bone surrounding the tooth. If signs of infection are found in the area, antibiotic treatment may be administered at the dentist's discretion; however, root canal treatment is usually initiated without the need for antibiotics.
Entry Cavity and Root Canal Shaping
During treatment, local anaesthesia is administered to the gums. Once sufficient numbness has been achieved in the area, a small hole is drilled into the upper part of the tooth. The pulp, which is infected, inflamed and damaged due to deep decay, is removed through this hole. It is also important to thoroughly clean the root canals inside the tooth. The canals are cleaned and disinfected. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the dentist decides whether to perform the treatment in one or two sessions. If two sessions are required, a temporary filling is placed. If the treatment can be completed in a single session, the next stage is proceeded with.
Root Canal Filling and Restoration
Once the tooth canals have been shaped, they are filled to the measured length using canal filling material and canal paste. After the canal filling is complete, the dentist decides whether to place a filling or a crown on the tooth, depending on the amount of remaining tooth structure. Following this, the restoration of the tooth is completed.
Root canal treatment is performed to save the natural tooth, but in some cases, the damage to the tooth is too extensive. This situation usually occurs when treatment has been delayed for a long time. When the tooth is severely damaged, the enamel has become very brittle, and tooth loss may occur during or immediately after treatment. Another risk of root canal treatment is the presence of infected, inflamed, or irritated tissue within the tooth or the development of an abscess at the root of the tooth. However, this risk is quite low when root canal treatment is performed by an experienced dentist, as the necessary controls are in place.
When is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
Damage to the enamel and dentine may necessitate root canal treatment. When a tooth decays, the enamel wears away, or tooth sensitivity occurs, the pulp becomes vulnerable over time if a dentist does not intervene. When the pulp is left unprotected, bacteria in the mouth can penetrate the tooth and infect the pulp. In addition, deep decay or inflammation of the tooth may also necessitate root canal treatment. In such cases, root canal treatment is the method that can save the tooth. However, it should be remembered that in advanced cases, even root canal treatment may not be able to save the tooth.
In teeth requiring root canal treatment, symptoms may include sensitive pain triggered by cold and heat, night pain, spontaneous pain (without any apparent cause), abscesses in the tooth, and swelling. Other symptoms include tooth fracture due to trauma and discolouration of the teeth.
What are the complaints that require root canal treatment?
Infection, inflammation or damage to the pulp due to deep decay means that the blood vessels and nerves in the tooth begin to die. Infection, inflammation or decay of the pulp in the initial stage;
- Pain and a burning sensation when consuming hot or cold food and drink
- Manifests as pain during biting and chewing actions.
As the infection progresses, the heat, chewing and biting sensitivity that appeared in the initial stage disappears. The loss of sensitivity means that the infection has spread to the root canals. The infection spreading to the root canal system within a short period of time;
- Loose teeth,
- Swollen gums,
- Discolouration of the teeth,
- Swelling of the face, and
- Problems such as abscesses.
After Root Canal Treatment
Success; achieving success in root canal treatment requires the procedure to be performed thoroughly. To increase the success rate of the procedure, it is essential to eliminate potential issues that may arise, particularly during root canal shaping. Thanks to the rotary instruments and systems used during root canal intervention, it is now possible to achieve high success rates in root canal treatment. In addition, devices called apex locators, which are used to measure the length of the root canal during root canal treatment, help to reach the narrowest point of the root tip. This not only shortens the treatment time but also ensures that the treatment is more effective by reaching the narrowest point of the root tip.
Symptoms: It is quite normal for your treated tooth to be extremely sensitive for the first 1-2 days after root canal treatment. This pain is caused by the sensitive tooth tissue that has undergone treatment. You must discuss with your dentist what steps to take after root canal treatment. They will provide you with detailed information on when to eat, when to consume hot/cold drinks, and when to brush your teeth, and will expect you to follow these instructions.
Recommendation: In cases where root canal treatment proceeds without complications, patients can usually return to their daily routine the very next day. However, even if there is no pain or discomfort, it is advisable to avoid putting pressure on the treated tooth for the first few days following the procedure. If you avoid consuming excessively hot or cold drinks and foods for a few days after your root canal treatment is completed, you will significantly speed up your recovery process.
Care; Similarly, maintaining maximum oral and dental hygiene after root canal treatment is also an effective factor in ensuring a positive outcome for your treatment. Regularly brushing your teeth, using dental floss and an antiseptic mouthwash minimises bacterial growth in your mouth, helping to protect your treated tooth. Of course, these basic oral and dental hygiene practices also prevent cavities from forming in your other teeth, reducing the risk of having to undergo the same treatment process again.
Why Does the Tooth Nerve (Pulp) Become Inflamed?
The oral cavity contains many bacteria and microorganisms. These do not normally cause any problems, but if the bacteria reach the nerve tissue of the tooth, pain begins.
- These bacteria progress to the pulp through deep cracks, fractures or decay that penetrates the enamel and dentine. Signs of infection begin in the pulp, and over time the tooth loses all vitality.
- Another cause is trauma. An excessive blow to the tooth can disrupt its blood supply, scatter the nerve bundle and cause the tooth to lose its vitality.
- In severe gum disease, if left uncontrolled, the root tip can become infected, again leading to the loss of vitality in the tooth.
Will there be pain after root canal treatment?
It is normal for pain to increase, especially during the first 2 days of single-session treatments. Sensitivity to biting will last for approximately 2 weeks. These details may vary from person to person. Recurrence of abscess and swelling are definitely not expected. In such cases, root canal retreatment may be planned based on the results of a detailed X-ray analysis.
Can a Tooth That Has Undergone Root Canal Treatment Become Infected Again?
Even if a treatment is highly successful, it cannot be guaranteed that there will be no pain whatsoever or that inflammation will not occur three years later. To prevent potential problems in this regard, it is recommended that the tooth be monitored through regular check-ups. There is no need to wait for major problems to arise when minor interventions can resolve the situation. If there is a small crack or a small filling is required, the procedure should be performed. If early intervention is not carried out when the filling falls out or a crack forms, bacterial leakage can cause infection. If healing is not observed in the lesion after root canal treatment or if lesion formation is observed over time, root canal retreatment or apical resection may be performed.
What is Root Canal Retreatment?
This procedure is performed when root canal treatment has failed and has not resolved the issue. In regenerative treatment, the filling in the crown portion of the tooth is first removed to access the root canals. The materials used in the root canal filling are removed from the canal using special medications. Cleaning is performed along the entire length of the root, and disinfection is achieved using solutions. If necessary, the treatment is completed over multiple sessions. Once healing is observed, the root canal is filled, and the treatment is completed.
What Are the Reasons for Root Canal Treatment Failure?
- Leakage and recurrent infection due to failure to perform a crown restoration after root canal treatment.
- Inadequate cleaning and filling of the root canal.
- Failure to perform an appropriate crown restoration, fracture, or loss of the crown.
- Root canal anatomy (excessive narrowness or curvature of the canals).
- Presence of an additional canal that was not detected during treatment.
- Inadequate irrigation during root canal cleaning, file fracture due to narrowness.
- Excessive force and load on the treated tooth.
- Lesion at the root tip that cannot be repaired.
- Reasons such as perforation of the tooth from an undesirable area can lead to failure of root canal treatment, which is highly successful under ideal conditions.
Does a Root-Canaled Tooth Cause Pain?
Even in root canal treatments completed under ideal conditions, it is normal to experience pain for approximately two days following the treatment. Painkillers may be taken the day after root canal treatment; this is normal unless the pain is very severe. The pain felt when pressure is applied to the tooth or when biting will gradually subside and disappear within approximately two weeks. It can be thought of as similar to the healing of a wound. If you have a problem such as ‘My old root canal-treated tooth is hurting,’ you should see your dentist as soon as possible without delay.
What is the success rate of root canal treatment?
The success rate of root canal treatment, which requires meticulous work with today’s advanced systems, is steadily increasing. Root canal length detection devices, rotary file systems, and X-ray imaging systems, which were unknown years ago, now serve the field of endodontics. Under ideal conditions, with the patient taking sufficient care, a high success rate of 90-95 percent is reported.
My Root-Treated Tooth Hurts. What Should I Do?
Even if time has passed, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible for pain that persists or develops later. X-rays will be taken to identify the source of the problem. It could be caused by teeth grinding, or it could be a recurring infection. The reasons for the failure of root canal treatment are investigated. The source of the pain is found and targeted treatment is administered.
How Long Does a Root Canal Treated Tooth Last?
If a successful root canal treatment can be performed and the patient maintains regular oral hygiene and bite balance, the tooth can remain in the mouth for many years. There is no need to extract a tooth that can be saved with root canal treatment, nor is it necessary to place a bridge or implant in that area. Using one’s own natural teeth is more comfortable and also more cost-effective. Implant and bridge prices are more expensive than root canal treatment prices and are more laborious treatments. Depending on the cause and amount of material loss, the tooth can be restored with a filling or crown. The disadvantage of root canal-treated teeth is increased fragility due to insufficient blood supply, as the blood vessels and nerves have been removed. This situation can be resolved with properly applied crowns. Superstructure restoration is important in this regard. Your dentist will explain to you whether a filling or a crown is necessary.
Will an inflamed tooth be extracted?
Inflammation of the tooth does not always necessitate extraction. Seeking dental care at the first sign of inflammation or sensitivity, which may indicate damage to the tooth enamel, and undergoing regular dental check-ups increases the success rate of treatments that can prevent tooth extraction.
Is it necessary to use antibiotics for tooth infection?
The use of antibiotics in dental infections may be preferred at the dentist’s discretion, but this is not a requirement. The use of antibiotics is very rarely preferred, especially in root canal treatment.
How many sessions does root canal treatment take?
Root canal treatment is planned on an individual basis. Therefore, the number of sessions and duration of treatment may vary depending on the condition of the tooth. Generally, treatment is expected to be completed within 1 to 3 sessions.
What happens if root canal treatment is not performed?
If root canal treatment is not performed, the tooth enamel and roots lose their strength. As a result, tooth loss occurs.
How long does root canal treatment last?
Achieving a high success rate is possible with timely root canal treatment. It has been observed that 8-9 out of every 10 teeth that undergo root canal treatment maintain their integrity for many years. Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for prolonging this period. For a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment to have a long life, the treatment must also be performed correctly. Thanks to the latest technologies, it is possible to achieve long-lasting success in root canal treatments. The use of devices such as rotary instruments, rotary systems and apex locators, which both shorten the treatment time and have a positive effect on the success rate, is very important for root canal treatment.
Can root canal treatment be performed on milk teeth?
Root canal treatment can be performed at any age. Generally, as milk teeth will fall out and be replaced by new ones, it is expected that they will be extracted if they decay or become inflamed. However, early tooth loss can negatively affect chewing and speech development. The presence of milk teeth is also important in determining the position and alignment of the new teeth that will emerge. Considering all these factors, root canal treatment may be necessary for milk teeth.
Can a tooth with root canal treatment decay?
If root canal treatment is not performed correctly and the individual does not maintain regular dental care, decay may recur.
Does a root canal-treated tooth hurt?
It is normal to experience some pain after treatment. This procedure is quite extensive, and damage to the surrounding nerves and gums may occur while the root canal is being thoroughly cleaned. As a result, it is normal to experience pain. However, the pain should not last longer than a few days.
I can't put pressure on my tooth after root canal treatment. Why?
Although it is normal for the tooth to be sensitive for a while after root canal treatment, if the sensitivity persists for a long time and you are unable to bite down on the tooth, you should visit your dentist again and, if necessary, have the treatment repeated.
Can root canal treatment be performed on the same tooth a second time?
If root canal treatment is unsuccessful, it can be performed a second time.
Is it mandatory to have a crown fitted after root canal treatment?
A crown may be fitted after root canal treatment. Root canal treatment involves removing the living part of the tooth. When root canal treatment is required due to wear or damage to the tooth enamel and dentine, the tooth is filled after the treatment is completed. To ensure the tooth is protected more effectively, a crown may be fitted once the treatment has been successfully completed.
If root canal treatment is performed on a tooth with an abscess, will the abscess recur?
An abscess is not expected to occur after root canal treatment. In successful cases, an abscess does not form, but if the treatment is unsuccessful, an abscess may develop. In this case, the root canals are removed for a second root canal treatment, and after the infection has been cleared, root canal treatment is performed again.
Can root canal treatment be performed on a wisdom tooth?
Root canal treatment is difficult in wisdom teeth. The main reason for this is the irregular structure of the root canals in wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth have a low success rate in root canal treatment due to both their position and root structure. However, root canal treatment can be attempted if there are no obstacles to preserving the tooth.