Root Canal Treatment (Endodontic Therapy)
Just hearing the words root canal is enough to give some people anxiety. They imagine needles, drills, severe pain, and long grueling hours in the dental chair. However, it is now more convenient to get a root canal than decades ago.
The main goal of dentistry is to maintain the patients’ healthy natural teeth. Modern endodontic therapy stays true to the principles of dentistry. It restores and maintains the health of the soft tissues inside the tooth. A diseased tooth that would have been extracted is being repaired and preserved today through a root canal treatment.
It is a common misconception that a root canal procedure is painful or dangerous to your health. The truth is that modern technology and anesthetics have made root canals safer, predictable, and more comfortable for patients. A root canal treatment can repair and maintain an infected tooth. It actually relieves pain and not causes it. If you are planning to visit Turkey and want to know more about this treatment, book an appointment with HLC dental.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal procedure, also known as endodontic therapy, treats an inflamed, infected, or dead pulp usually caused by tooth decay or injury. The dental pulp is what keeps the tooth alive, providing oxygen, nutrients, and sensations to the tooth.
The pulp chamber is the hollow area at the center of the tooth, containing the pulp, blood vessels, and nerves. When the pulp becomes infected, the entire chamber needs to be disinfected and sealed.
General dentists are trained to perform root canals. More complicated cases are often referred to an endodontist, a specialist that focuses on root canal treatments.
When it comes to your health, having all the right information will allow you to make an informed decision. Ask our dentists about root canals and what to expect from the procedure.
Understanding Tooth Pulp Disease
Injuries to the soft tissues inside the tooth are usually caused by bacteria, mechanical irritants, and chemical irritants. Irritation from any of these sources can cause inflammation, which can lead to abscess or pulp disease. The symptoms of a damaged or diseased pulp may include:
- Pain (spontaneous or aggravated by eating or drinking)
- Gum swelling
- Tooth discoloration
- Bad taste/odor
- Broken tooth
- Facial swelling
Types of pulp disease/periapical disease
- Reversible pulpitis: Pulpitis means inflammation of the dental pulp. It is a temporary condition that may be caused by caries, abrasion, dental procedures, scaling, or mild trauma. Treatment involves covering up the exposed dentin. Reversible pulpitis may progress into an irreversible condition.
- Irreversible pulpitis: This usually occurs as a result of a more severe injury. Treatment involves extraction of the tooth or root canal therapy. If you have irreversible pulp disease, it is too late to save the tooth because it is already infected or dying. A root canal cannot save the life of a dead tooth, but it can preserve its function and aesthetics.
- Pulp necrosis: The death of dental pulp is the result of irreversible pulpitis. This is treated with a root canal or tooth extraction.
- Apical periodontitis: Inflammation damages the periapical tissues and causes periodontitis. This can be acute or chronic. Bacteria and toxins from infected or necrotic pulp can cause periodontitis. Root canal or tooth extraction is the recommended treatment for this condition.
- Abscess: An apical abscess is a severe infection that spreads into the periradicular tissues. Symptoms may include discomfort, pain, swelling, or raised temperature.
Complications of Pulp Disease
When left untreated, tooth pulp infection could lead to the following complications:
- Spread of dental infection – after the pulp becomes infected, it loses its ability to contain the spread of infection. Bacteria will multiply once they reach the pulp chamber. When it spreads into the surrounding bone, it can cause an endodontic abscess (a pocket of pus that builds up around the bone of an infected tooth).
- Jaw bone loss – the infection may spread to the ends of the infected root canals, degrading the surrounding jaw bone.
- Tooth loss – severely infected tooth may have to be removed, compromising bite and chewing ability and affecting appearance if it is close to the front of the mouth.
Step-by-Step Root Canal Procedure
A root canal treatment aims to eliminate bacteria from within the root canal systems and seal the space to prevent re-entry. Its clinical success is largely dependent on how well dentists/endodontists clean, shape, disinfect, and seal root canals. It usually takes 1 to 2 visits to finish the whole procedure.
Physical examination and x-rays
During the first stage, the soft tissue is sutured to cover the implant screw and allowed to heal undisturbed for 2-6 months. In the second stage, the implant is exposed and a healing abutment is connected. Once healed, the restorative dentist starts to build the permanent prosthesis.
Anesthesia
The implant extends through the gingival tissue at the time of implant placement. A healing abutment is placed to help heal the gum tissue. After several months, temporary restoration can be attached to the abutment without the need for surgery to expose the head of the implant.
Dental dam
A dental dam is a sheet of rubber or vinyl that is placed to isolate the affected tooth from the rest of the teeth. It improves visibility, protects the soft tissues, and prevents saliva contamination.
Accessing the roots and removing the diseased pulp
A tiny hole is then drilled through the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and canals. This part usually scares patients, but it is not painful. Using tiny surgical tools, the infected/dead pulp and nerves are removed.
Disinfecting
The pulp chamber and canals are cleaned and disinfected. The dentist will apply antiseptic or antibiotics to prevent re-infection.
Shaping and filling the canals
The canals are shaped to accommodate fillings and sealant. A rubber-like biocompatible substance called gutta-percha is applied and the canals are sealed with adhesive cement.
Permanent restoration
To replace and maintain the structure of the tooth, a permanent filling or crown is placed. The dentist may place the permanent restoration the same day or you may be asked to come back after a few weeks.
Root Canal Treatment Cost
The average cost of a root canal in the US is between $800 and $1200. Many factors can add up to your total cost, such as the severity of the infection/abscess, the number of roots in the affected tooth (a tooth can have 1-4 roots), the type of restoration used, and who will perform the procedure. An endodontist can charge up to 50% higher fees. For a look at standard pricing, check our pricing guide page.
Choose HLC Dental for a Root Canal in Turkey
Root canals are not always successful, so a dental professional needs to possess knowledge of different root canal procedures and periradicular surgery. Your dentist must be able to determine if you will benefit from a root canal and inform you of all possible alternatives if necessary. If you want to know more about the process, call us at +905398474576 or book an appointment through our online contact form.
Choose HLC Dental for a Root Canal in Turkey
Root canals are not always successful, so a dental professional needs to possess knowledge of different root canal procedures and periradicular surgery. Your dentist must be able to determine if you will benefit from a root canal and inform you of all possible alternatives if necessary. If you want to know more about the process, call us at +905379231610 or book an appointment through our online contact form.
Root Canal Treatment FAQ
It is common for patients to assume that root canals are extremely painful. But, any pain or discomfort associated with a root canal is no more painful than having a tooth filled. Your tooth hurts because of the infection, and once the infected pulp and nerves are removed, the tooth will no longer feel pain.
Most patients will need a dental crown after the procedure to restore lost tooth structure. Some types of crowns could be more expensive, so be sure to discuss your options with your dentist.
A root canal can be done by a dentist or endodontist in one to two appointments. The length of treatment will take about 2 to 3 hours per appointment.
Today’s root canal treatment is generally safe and effective, with a success rate of up to 98%. But as with all medical and dental procedures, it does carry some risks.
The risks involve may include:
Reinfection
Inadequate filling
Seal failure
Tooth discoloration
