Endodontic treatment, or root canal treatment in everyday language, is a way of saving a decayed or infected tooth. Endodontic treatment is not used for every dental cavity. Root canal treatment is used where treating the cavity with a filling is not enough, where there is inflammation, where the decay has progressed or where it is painful.
If a cavity is not treated in good time, the decay progresses deeper and causes inflammation of the nerves of the tooth. Inflammation of the dental nerves can cause severe toothache, and problems such as darkening of the tooth and sensitivity to hot and cold may occur.
There is a hard layer of enamel on the outside of the teeth and, inside, a cavity containing a bundle of vessels and nerves that runs along the root of the tooth. The tissues that give the tooth vitality and life are the vessels and nerves, known as the pulp, located in this space at the centre of the tooth. During root canal treatment, the soft tissues (the pulp and the dental nerve) are 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 removed from the tooth is not vital for dental health and function, but removing it spares the person intense pain. This nerve is a sensory nerve used only for sensing hot and cold.
Contrary to what is commonly believed, the patient does not feel pain during root canal treatment. In root canal treatment, as in filling treatment, the teeth and surrounding tissues are effectively numbed and the procedure is usually completed in 1 hour. Thanks to developments in the devices and systems used to widen the root canals, the duration of root canal treatment has been shortened and the process has become easier.
When is root canal treatment needed?
Root canal treatment is not carried out for every tooth that hurts or has decay. Cavities caused by bacteria that cause only mild pain or none can be treated with a filling alone. If the tooth is not treated at this stage, the bacteria progress inside the tooth and cause inflammation, and in that case root canal treatment must be carried out.
Here are some signs that may indicate a person needs root canal treatment:
- Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure
- Sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold
- Darkening of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness of the nearby gums
Ill-fitting restorations, new decay around old fillings, deep decay or accidental injury to the nerve and vascular tissue of the tooth can cause it to lose its vitality and become infected.
Even without decay, certain causes can lead to inflammation of the teeth. The main one is exposure to trauma. A hard blow can cut off the circulation to the tooth, and the tooth then gradually loses its vitality because it can no longer be nourished.
Clenching or grinding the teeth, high fillings and restorations are also among the causes of chronic trauma and can cause inflammation.
In addition, periodontal diseases (of the gums and surrounding tissues) that have gone untreated for a long time are among the factors that cause the tooth to become inflamed. In these cases, root canal treatment is the treatment considered.
What to consider after root canal treatment
Some things to bear in mind while the teeth gradually improve after root canal treatment:
- You need to avoid biting into hard or crunchy foods until the root canal treatment is complete.
- It is important to carry on with daily tooth cleaning without a break. Given the sensitivity of the teeth, make sure they are cleaned by brushing gently, in circular movements, at least twice a day. Not interrupting daily tooth cleaning is essential both for recovery after the root canal treatment and for oral health in general.
- To prevent possible infections after root canal treatment, you need to use dental floss at least once a day. Using floss is necessary for oral health, just as using a toothbrush is. When you start using floss, you can benefit from the dentist's advice tailored to your mouth and teeth.
- It is recommended to cut down on sticky and sugary foods for a while after treatment. Sugars are one of the main causes of tooth decay. Sugar consumption should be limited for oral health and for the health of the whole body. Sugar is not found only in products such as chocolate and wafers; it is found in many drinks and packaged products.
- After endodontic treatment, the painkillers or sprays recommended by the doctor should be used regularly. If the painkillers or sprays you are using do not reduce the pain, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
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