Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental practice used for the treatment of teeth damaged or decayed due to infection. Root canal treatment takes place by removing the infected pulp of the tooth, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and then filling the cavity formed in the root of the tooth with a filling.

If decayed or infected teeth are not repaired with early treatment, bacteria may begin to migrate to the innermost pulp of the tooth, multiplying and causing further and faster damage to the tooth. Severe infection that occurs in this way can cause dental apnea and lead to tooth loss. Root canal/endodontic treatment can be applied in such a case to save the tooth and keep it active in the jawbone.

In which cases can root canal treatment be applied?

At the beginning of the situations where root canal treatment is suitable, it may be to save teeth that may be lost due to deep caries, fracture or cracking. It may be necessary to extract the core of the teeth that cannot be restored with different applications, to clean the inside and to fill the cavity again. For this reason, root canal treatment can be preferred to prevent tooth loss and to save teeth that have lost their function.

Some symptoms observed in the patient may indicate the need for root canal treatment:

• Severe pain in a damaged or infected tooth
• Swelling in the face or neck
• Permanent sensitivity to hot and cold food/drinks in the damaged tooth
• Strain due to pain while chewing or biting
• Swelling in the gingiva
• Darkening of the color of the gingiva

What should be considered after root canal treatment?

• The patient, who feels severe pain before the root canal treatment, may feel sensitivity in the tooth after the treatment. In this case, it is important to use only painkillers prescribed by the dentist.
• After treatment, it may be necessary to wait at least three hours before consuming food or drink.
• After root canal treatment, which has a high success rate, attention should be paid to tooth cleaning and care.
• Consumption of sugary foods should be minimized.