Root Canal Treatment

MacHealers - Root Canal Treatment in Türkiye

Root Canal Revival: Restoring Smiles with Expert Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a dental treatment aimed at removing infected or inflamed pulp, saving the tooth from complete extraction. In the majority of cases, around 90-95%, this procedure successfully restores the tooth's normal function.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure where the pulp, situated within the tooth's hollow cavity extending from its crown to the root's end, is removed.

Despite this removal, the tooth remains intact due to the cement-like substance encasing its root, anchoring it to the jaw.

A tooth comprises a hard enamel exterior, a softer dentin layer beneath, and at its core, the pulp. This pulp contains tissues, nerves, and blood vessels that nourish the tooth during its growth and development phase.

However, once a tooth reaches maturity, it can draw nourishment from nearby tissues. As a result, if the pulp becomes compromised or presents health issues, it can be safely extracted.

Several factors can lead to pulp infections, including:

• Severe tooth decay
• Compromised fillings resulting from fractures
• Direct trauma to the pulp
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Repeated dental procedures
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Gum diseases

When is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

Consider the following symptoms as potential indicators for root canal treatment:

• Persistent Pain: Infected tooth pulp can lead to pain while eating or even upon light pressure. Experiencing pain from hot or cold foods can also signal pulp issues.
• Tooth Mobility: If your tooth becomes unusually mobile or loose, it might be due to root damage.
• Gum Swelling: Infections can cause not only the gum around the affected tooth to swell but also potentially spread, leading to swelling in the cheeks and jaw. This additional pressure might intensify the pain.
• Discharge: The presence of pus or any other form of drainage from the tooth points to a bacterial infection.
• Abscess Formation: Infected pulp can lead to abscesses, which manifest as swollen, pimple-like bumps on the gums.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, continuing even after the stimulus is removed, is a common sign.
• Discoloration: An infected pulp can cause internal bleeding, leading the tooth to take on a darker hue. Moreover, as the infection spreads, it can also darken the surrounding gums.

Understanding the Root Canal Procedure in Türkiye

A root canal is a comprehensive treatment. Upon your arrival at the dental clinic in Türkiye, an initial assessment will be conducted by the dentist. An X-ray specific to the root canal may also be taken.

This X-ray aids in revealing the affected pulp and provides an estimate of the required filling material. The root canal treatment process includes the following steps:

• Anesthesia Administration: Local anesthesia is applied to ensure a pain-free experience during the procedure.
• Tooth Isolation: A slim rubber dam is placed around the affected tooth, safeguarding it from potential contaminants present in the oral cavity.
• Creating an Access Point: The dentist drills a small opening on the tooth's crown to access the infected pulp chamber.
• Pulp Removal and Disinfection: The diseased pulp is extracted, and the empty canals are cleaned with an antimicrobial solution.
• Canal Filling: Once cleaned, the canal is filled with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha.
• Tooth Restoration with Crown or Filling: After sealing the canal, the dentist either sets a crown or reconstructs the tooth using a filling material. This step is essential, as post-root canal, the tooth tends to become discolored. If it's a front tooth, this can pose cosmetic concerns. Moreover, leaving the tooth uncovered can expose it to potential infections or fractures, hence the placement of a crown.

Duration of the Root Canal Treatment:

The procedure's length can range between 30 minutes to an hour, contingent on the tooth's complexity, given the varying number of roots. While some cases may be addressed in a single session, often, 2 or more visits are required.

In cases with multiple visits, the dentist performs additional cleaning during the subsequent appointment, sealing the tooth temporarily in the interim.

Molars, for instance, might necessitate extended sessions since they usually possess three roots, with each having multiple canals.

Each appointment is designed to be thorough, typically lasting about the same duration.

Post-Root Canal Healing and Outcomes

After the treatment, it's common to experience tenderness in the affected region for a few days.

Your dentist may recommend pain relievers to alleviate any discomfort. In certain situations, antibiotics might be prescribed.

Typically, the recovery period from a root canal is brief, with most symptoms subsiding within days.

With proper care, the benefits of a root canal can be long-lasting. As per NHS data, in 90% of cases, the treated tooth endures for up to ten years following the procedure.

Post-Treatment Care for Root Canal

Following your root canal procedure, refrain from eating until the numbness subsides to prevent accidental biting of your cheeks or tongue.

When you do eat, try to chew on the opposite side of the treated area and opt for softer foods.

Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is crucial after the procedure. This includes brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash.

Since the nerve within the treated tooth has been removed, you might not notice if an infection sets in. Hence, consistent dental care and regular check-ups are vital to catch potential issues early on.

It's recommended to abstain from smoking as it can hinder the healing process. Furthermore, steer clear of sugary, sticky, and acidic foods that might jeopardize your dental health.