What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, involves the removal of the inflamed or infected dental pulp for various reasons, followed by the cleaning, shaping, and filling of the canal space with appropriate filling materials. This procedure aims to preserve the functionality and health of the tooth. Root canal treatment is performed when the tooth root is affected due to decay or trauma to prevent tooth loss.

When is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

Root canal treatment is necessary in the following situations:

• When there are cavities in the tooth,
• When cracks occur in the jawbone,
• In cases of significant damage to the tooth,
• When the pulp is infected.

The outer layer of the tooth is enamel, beneath which lies dentin, and the innermost layer is the pulp. When decay progresses through these layers and reaches the pulp, infection develops. Damage to the pulp can lead to a loss of tooth functionality. Root canal treatment is performed to rectify this condition.

How is Root Canal Treatment Performed?

Root canal treatment consists of several steps:

• Cleaning: If tooth decay has progressed to the pulp layer, all canals in the tooth are cleaned and disinfected.
• Shaping: The canals are shaped, and various medications are applied to prevent infection.
• Filling: The cleaned canals are filled with special root filling materials. If the tooth has multiple canals, all of them are treated. Incisor teeth usually have a single canal, small molars may have two canals, and large molars can have three or four canals.

How is Root Canal Treatment Diagnosed?

The necessity for root canal treatment is determined through a physical examination by the dentist and X-rays. X-rays help identify how many canals the tooth has and the length of the canal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment

• Is root canal treatment a painful procedure? Root canal treatment is painless when performed under local anesthesia. If the tooth is not necrotic, there is no pain during the procedure.
• How long does root canal treatment take? The duration of the treatment varies depending on the number of canals in the tooth, the condition of the infection, and the location of the tooth. It usually takes two appointments. The first appointment involves cleaning and shaping the canal, while the second involves filling the canal.
• What should be considered during and after the treatment? Since the tooth treated with root canal therapy has a higher risk of fracture, it is advisable to avoid hard foods during the treatment. Antibiotics and pain relievers may be used to eliminate the infection. After treatment, eating and drinking should be avoided until the effects of local anesthesia wear off. Regular brushing and flossing of the teeth are essential.
• How many canals does a tooth have? The number of canals in a tooth varies depending on its position and the individual. Incisor teeth usually have a single canal, small molars may have two canals, and large molars can have three or four canals.
• Can root canal treatment be repeated? Yes, root canal treatment can be repeated if necessary. The old filling is removed, the tooth is reshaped, and it is filled again.
• How long can a tooth treated with root canal last? With proper oral and dental hygiene, a tooth treated with root canal can last a lifetime.

Root canal treatment is an effective method for preserving the health and functionality of the tooth. The treatment prevents tooth loss and helps maintain the health of the jawbone.