Endodontics

What Is Endodontics?

Endodontics is one of the main branches of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis of diseases of the teeth, tooth roots and surrounding tissues, and with the causes, prevention and treatment of these diseases. In other words, endodontics is the dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the tooth.

In which situations is endodontic treatment required?

• Tooth pain that does not go away even with painkillers,
• Swelling around the tooth, in the gum or in the lymph nodes,
• Extreme sensitivity to cold and heat,
• Sharp pain that increases at night,
• Discolouration of a tooth caused by infection

In situations such as these, an endodontic specialist should always be consulted.

How is endodontic treatment performed?

Endodontic treatment, also commonly known as root canal treatment, is carried out to save a decayed or infected tooth. The stages of treatment begin with a check-up examination after the patient reports their complaint.

• If it is determined that the decay or fracture has reached the nerves, the patient is told that root canal treatment will be performed.
• During the procedure, which takes about 1 hour, the decayed tooth is first anaesthetised.
• After the inside of the decayed tooth has been cleaned, the nerve tissue is removed and the inside of the canal is irrigated with various solutions.
• The canals are cleaned towards the end of the root and widened. The emptied, widened and cleaned canals are then filled.

Is root canal treatment performed on every tooth that hurts?

Root canal treatment is not performed on every tooth that hurts or is decayed. The decision for root canal treatment is made by the doctor after a detailed oral examination and X-ray.

How long does a tooth that has had root canal treatment last?

Teeth that have had root canal treatment can remain in the mouth for many years, allowing chewing function to continue and an aesthetically pleasing appearance to be achieved. A tooth that has had good root canal treatment can be used for a lifetime with proper oral and dental care. Because of the risk of new decay in the treated tooth, oral and dental care must be carried out regularly and examination by the doctor must never be neglected.

How many sessions does endodontic treatment take?

When the dental nerve, called the pulp, is still alive, treatment usually takes a single session. However, if the tooth has lost its vitality and there is infection at the root tip, the number of sessions for root canal treatment will increase depending on the condition of the tooth.

What should the patient pay attention to after treatment?

Depending on the problem in the tooth, root canal treatment is often completed in 1 or 2 sessions. It is normal for the patient to feel discomfort in the tooth for the first 2 to 3 days after treatment. If the patient feels discomfort, they may take a painkiller in line with the dentist's recommendations.