It is a treatment method applied when the nerve (pulp) inside the tooth is irreversibly damaged or dead due to causes such as decay or trauma. The nerves inside the tooth are removed, the canals inside the tooth roots are shaped, disinfected from microorganisms, and then the enlarged canals are filled. Afterwards, depending on the loss of material, restorations such as fillings, porcelain crowns, or inlays deemed appropriate by your dentist are applied to the upper part of the tooth, ensuring the continuity of the tooth both aesthetically and functionally.
Root canal treatment is performed to clean all infected parts of painful, inflamed teeth that could otherwise be lost due to decay or trauma, allowing them to remain in the mouth for a long time. This prevents more advanced treatments that could be financially and emotionally challenging due to tooth loss.
By performing root canal treatment, the remaining tooth in the mouth will be non-vital but will continue to help with chewing as your own tooth. This also keeps the bone in that area active, preventing resorption in the jaw bones.
Blows to the tooth or jaw, deep decay causing physical irritation, advanced gum disease, high fillings or prosthetic structures with improper occlusion, and incorrectly applied orthodontic treatments can all necessitate root canal therapy.
When decay occurs, the hard tissues of the tooth (enamel-dentin) begin to deteriorate. As decay approaches the pulp, the acids produced by bacteria affect the pulp. At this stage, sensitivity to heat or pain, especially at night, may occur. If untreated, the pulp dies, and toxins spread through the root tip into the jawbone, causing abscesses.
Root canal treatment prevents tooth extraction, which though cheaper, results in the loss of a healthy tooth and creates a gap that is harder and more costly to restore with bridges or implants. If possible, keeping your natural tooth is always advantageous.
Sometimes teeth left untreated for too long cannot be saved even with root canal therapy, and extraction may be necessary. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups every six months are essential to avoid tooth loss.
A properly performed root canal can allow a tooth to function for a lifetime, though treated teeth are more fragile than natural teeth. Success rates are above 90–95%. Rare risks include instrument breakage or incomplete cleaning of canals.
Treatment involves anesthesia, cleaning decay, opening the pulp chamber, disinfecting canals, and filling them. Depending on the condition, temporary fillings may be placed, and treatment may take one or several sessions.
During treatment, avoid chewing hard foods with the tooth. Pain or swelling may occur between sessions but can be managed with your dentist’s care.
After treatment, mild pain may persist for a few days due to inflammation, but it subsides. Treated teeth lose vitality and flexibility, making them prone to fractures. Appropriate restorations such as fillings, porcelain inlays, or crowns are necessary to ensure long-term use.
Türkçe / TR
العربي / AR