Endodontic treatment, or root canal treatment in everyday language, is a way of saving decayed or infected teeth. It is not applied to every tooth with decay. Root canal treatment is used when a filling is not enough to deal with the decay, when there is infection, when the decay has advanced, or when the tooth is painful.
If tooth decay is not treated in time, it develops deeper and causes inflammation of the nerve in the tooth. Inflammation of the dental nerve can cause severe toothache, and problems such as darkening of the tooth and sensitivity to hot and cold may occur.
The outer surface of a tooth is covered with hard enamel, and inside, along the length of the root, there is a cavity containing a bundle of blood vessels and nerves. The tissue that gives the tooth vitality and life is the vessels and nerves known as the pulp, and it sits in this space in the centre of the tooth. During root canal treatment, the soft tissue (the pulp and the dental nerve) is removed from the natural cavity inside the hard tissue of the tooth, called the root canal; the inside of the tooth is cleaned, and the open space is then filled.
The dental nerve is not vital to the health or function of the tooth, but taking it out stops the person from feeling severe pain. This nerve is a sensory nerve used only to perceive heat and cold.
Contrary to popular belief, the patient does not feel pain during root canal treatment. In root canal treatment, as in filling treatment, the tooth and the surrounding tissue are effectively anaesthetised, and the procedure is usually completed within an hour. Thanks to developments in the devices and systems used to widen the root canals, root canal treatment now takes less time and the process has become easier.
When Is Root Canal Treatment Applied?
Root canal treatment is not carried out on every painful or decayed tooth. In the early stage, decay caused by bacteria that causes only mild pain, or no pain at all, can be treated with a filling alone. If the tooth is not treated at this stage, the bacteria spread into the pulp of the tooth and cause inflammation, and in that case root canal treatment is needed.
Here are some signs that may indicate a person needs root canal treatment:
Severe toothache when chewing or pressing
Sensitivity to heat or cold (pain)
Darkening of the tooth
Swelling and pain in the neighbouring gum
Ill-fitting restorations, new decay around old fillings, deep decay, or accidental damage can cause the nerves and blood vessel tissue of the teeth to lose their vitality and become infected.
Even without any decay, some causes can lead to inflammation of the tooth. The most important is trauma. A hard blow can cut off the blood supply to the tooth, and the tooth then gradually loses its vitality because it can no longer be nourished.
Grinding or clenching the teeth, and high fillings and restorations, are also among the causes of chronic trauma and can cause inflammation.
In addition, gum disease (of the gums and surrounding tissue) that has gone untreated for a long time is among the factors that cause inflammation of the teeth. In these cases, root canal treatment is the treatment of choice.
Things to bear in mind after root canal treatment
Things to Bear in Mind as Your Tooth Gradually Improves After Root Canal Treatment
It is essential to avoid biting into hard or crunchy foods until the root canal treatment is complete.
It is important to keep cleaning your teeth every day without interruption. Given the sensitivity of the teeth, make sure you brush at least twice a day with gentle, circular movements. Keeping up daily cleaning is essential both for recovery after the root canal treatment and for your general oral health.
To prevent possible infections after root canal treatment, it is necessary to floss at least once a day. Using dental floss is as essential to oral health as using a toothbrush. When you start using dental floss, you can draw on your dentist's recommendations suited to your mouth and the structure of your teeth. It is advisable to reduce sticky and sugary foods for a while after treatment. Sugars are among the most important causes of tooth decay. Sugar consumption should be limited for the sake of oral health and the health of the whole body. Sugar is not only in products such as chocolate and crisps; it is found in many drinks and packaged products.
After root canal treatment, use the painkillers or sprays recommended by your doctor regularly. If painkillers or sprays do not reduce the pain, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
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