Root Canal Treatments (Endodontics) Overview

The origin of root canal treatment is based on a Latin term. Let’s take a closer look at the branch covered by this expression, which is produced from the combination of the words endo, meaning inside, and donti, meaning tooth. 

The answer to the question of what is endodontics is often sought. It also deals with living tissues such as nerves and vessels belonging to the pulp known as the tooth pulp. In addition, the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the tissues around the tooth are also examined in this field. When someone who specializes in dentistry wants to progress in this field later, they are called endodontists.

Endodontics is a branch that is often mentioned together with canal treatment today. It is important for everyone who cares about oral and dental health to have detailed information about what is root canal treatment, why it is performed, how root canal treatment is performed, and treatment processes. 

Teeth are located in the mouth, where the digestive system begins. Therefore, they are considered as living tissues that are the first place of action of digestion. Since they are of such great importance, they must be subjected to good care without the need for root canal treatment.

Why is Root Canal Treatment Performed?

Root canal treatment may be required if the pulp layer in the internal structure of the teeth is inflamed or damaged. The main answer to the question of why root canal treatment is performed is when the nerve tissue inside the tooth is infected. The main reasons for endodontic application are listed below:

• Tooth decay
• Tooth traumas
• Infections
• Recurrent dental abscesses

One of the most common causes is advanced tooth decay. In this case, caries can reach into the tooth and affect the living tissue. In addition, cracks or fractures caused by impacts to the tooth can also affect the nerve tissue inside the tooth. Inflammation and abscess formation are other common causes.

In Which Cases Is Root Canal Treatment Performed?

The answer to the question in which cases root canal treatment is performed usually depends on the extent of damage to the internal structure of the tooth. For example, if tooth decay has reached the inside of the tooth, root canal treatment may have become inevitable. Fractures or cracks in the tooth caused by accidents often lead to the same result.

In some patients, constant pain, sensitivity, or throbbing sensation in the tooth may lead to the decision of root canal treatment by the dentist. Although it seems to have a negative image, it is a procedure that should be applied, as the next step is tooth loss.

How is Root Canal Treatment Performed?

The root canal treatment process starts with a detailed examination by the dentist. In the first step, the problem in the tooth is determined and X-rays are taken if necessary. This step gives the dentist a broad perspective on how far the problem has progressed. 

Local anesthesia is applied to minimize pain during root canal treatment. This makes the patient’s treatment process more comfortable. After anesthesia, the dentist numbs the area around the tooth and starts the procedure.

After the first step, the dentist begins to clean the inflamed or damaged dental pulp inside the tooth. This is done using specially designed small instruments and medicines. After the pulp is cleaned, the tooth is free of infections. 

Once this area is sterilized, the canals inside the tooth are shaped. This step is performed to organize the internal structure of the tooth and prepare it for treatment. The shaping process is performed using specially designed files and washing solutions.

During root canal treatment, the cleaned and shaped canals are filled with a special filling material. Filling the canals aims to protect the internal structure of the tooth and eliminate the risk of infection. After the application, the tooth is usually covered with a temporary coating. 

This process allows the tooth to be protected for a period to complete the treatment process. It is then replaced with a permanent coating or filling application.

What is the Process Before Root Canal Treatment?

The examination with the dentist before root canal treatment determines the road map to be followed. The endodontist performs a detailed examination to examine the internal structure of the tooth and asks for X-rays when necessary. 

After the diagnosis, he explains the treatment plan suitable for the patient in detail. This examination is very important for the patient to convey their expectations in detail and for the specialist to determine the needs of the person. Treatment success depends on a good preliminary examination.

Things to Consider After Root Canal Treatment

After root canal treatment, several important factors should be taken care of to maintain dental health and have a successful healing process. There may normally be mild pain and swelling after the application. It is necessary to use the painkillers recommended by the specialist regularly. In addition, swelling can be kept under control by applying cold compresses.

If a temporary coating has been applied to the patient’s tooth, care should be taken not to damage this coating. Avoiding hard or sticky foods is sufficient to protect the treated tooth. In addition, it is necessary to carry out the controls determined by the dentist regularly. These examinations ensure the successful completion of the treatment and early detection of possible complications.

Another issue that should not be neglected is oral and dental health. It is necessary to pay more attention to this issue than before root canal treatment. Paying attention to dental hygiene after the operation, regular tooth brushing, and flossing greatly reduce the risk of possible infection.

Mouth rinsing solutions recommended by the dentist can be used to ensure oral hygiene after the treatment. However, the patient should avoid rinsing the mouth too often, as this may delay healing. Finally, smoking and alcohol consumption should also be limited or completely stopped. 

These habits negatively affect the healing process after root canal treatment. You can get more detailed information about endodontics by contacting Istanbul Dental Center, which performs the best dental treatments in Turkey.