What is Root Canal Treatment and How is it Applied?
Root canal treatment is a procedure performed when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) is damaged. In the past, the only solution when the soft tissue of a tooth was affected was extraction, but today it is possible to treat these teeth.
Why is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
First, it should be known that no artificial tooth can replace a natural tooth. Therefore, we must preserve our natural teeth by treating them whenever possible. When one of our teeth becomes diseased, one of the most well-known methods of preservation is root canal treatment. Root canal treatment helps protect damaged teeth. When the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood, and lymph vessels) is damaged to the point where it cannot repair itself, it dies. This is usually caused by bacteria in broken teeth or deep cavities. The bacteria cause inflammation in the tooth’s pulp. If the damaged or diseased pulp is not removed, the tooth and the surrounding tissues become exposed to infection, which can ultimately result in tooth loss.
What Happens if Root Canal Treatment is Not Performed?
In cases of deep decay or cracks where the pulp cannot heal itself, the tooth loses its vitality, and the infection can spread throughout the entire tooth. Without root canal treatment, the infection can reach the tissues at the tip of the root. The bone surrounding the tooth may also become inflamed and erode. In this space, an abscess can form, accompanied by pain and swelling, and the tooth will be lost in a short period of time.
Stages of Root Canal Treatment:
- First, anesthesia is administered to the tooth to ensure the procedure is painless and comfortable.
- Next, the decay is removed, and once the pulp is reached, the diseased and soft tissue is removed. Nerves and tissue remnants are cleaned.
- The root canal is shaped down to the root tip. If necessary, medications are applied to speed up healing.
- Between sessions, the tooth is temporarily sealed with filling materials until healing is complete. Once it is understood that the inflammation has stopped and no more infection is coming from the root tip, the canal is filled with a special filling material up to the tip of the root.
- In some cases, it may be possible to complete the root canal treatment in a single session without needing multiple visits.
How Long Does a Treated Tooth Last?
If the tooth does not become reinfected and preventive measures are taken to avoid further decay, the filling can last for a lifetime. With regular dental check-ups, early signs of infection can be detected. Additionally, very good oral care is essential to prevent the tooth from decaying again.
