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3 February 2023Root canal treatment under local anesthesia does not cause the patient to feel any intense or painful sensations. Therefore, if you are experiencing pain, you should not hesitate to undergo root canal treatment. Root canal treatment prioritizes the patient’s comfort, uses the most modern techniques, and ensures dental health. As delaying root canal treatment can lead to tooth loss and even bone problems over time, the treatment process should be planned without delay. So what is root canal treatment, and when is it needed?
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A filling is an effective solution for shallow cavities or fractures. A root canal treatment is needed if the cavity or fracture is deep. The pulp inside the tooth can be described as the essence of the tooth. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It is essential to remove the damaged part to prevent infection. Otherwise, the result can be severe toothache and a loss of quality of life. As the infection progresses, the pulp dies, leading to tooth loss or bone disease. This is why the damaged part of the pulp needs to be removed by a root canal treatment.
When is it Needed?
Root canal treatment may be an option when conventional methods of tooth treatment have been unsuccessful. For example, when cavities in teeth reach the nerves, filling is not an effective method. In other words, root canal treatment is used when the tooth’s pulp is infected. Root canal treatment can be indicated by several symptoms. We can list these symptoms as follows:
- Cracks, fractures, or deep cavities
- Swelling and bleeding in gums
- Swelling in the face and neck
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Darkening of the gum
- Pain during biting or chewing
- Sores in gum and mouth
Root canal treatment can be carried out on any tooth if the root has no problems and the treatment can save the tooth. If the above symptoms occur, it is essential to see a dentist. This can prevent a process that could lead to tooth death.
How is it Performed?
Root canal treatment aims to save the tooth and restore its function. If root canal treatment is necessary, the dentist will inform the patient, and the procedure will be planned accordingly. The steps involved in root canal treatment are as follows:
- The patient is given local anesthesia
- The decay in the tooth is removed
- After cleaning the decay from the tooth, an access hole is drilled into the pulp chamber to reach the root canals.
- The infected and problematic pulp layer in the root canals is cleaned
- After the root canals are cleaned and sterilized, they are shaped.
- The opening is filled with a special filling material to prevent the reoccurrence of infection.
Root canal treatments are usually carried out in two visits, with the second visit taking place 5-6 days after the first. During this procedure, a temporary filling is placed to maintain the functional properties of the teeth. After the operation, the longevity of the root canal treatment can be increased by the patient’s regular and proper dental care.
How Long Will It Take?
The length of a root canal treatment will depend on factors such as the number of roots in the tooth and the extent of the infection. Treatment can take up to a week, depending on the severity of the infection. It usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes to complete a root canal treatment. In some cases, to allow for the removal of the infection and the placement of medication in the tooth, there may be a one-week break between the first and second sessions. During this time, a temporary filling will be put in place to keep the cavity clean and to prevent re-infection.
Things to Consider After Treatment
In order to avoid any problems after root canal treatment, it is essential to consider some critical points. During the healing process, patients should pay attention to the following issues:
- Avoid consuming hard and crunchy foods.
- Daily dental hygiene should be considered, teeth should be brushed twice a day, and soft and circular movements should be made during brushing.
- Dental floss should be used at least once a day to prevent infections.
- Avoid consuming sticky or sugary foods.
- All medications recommended by the dentist should be used regularly.
Patients paying attention to these points after root canal treatment will ensure a more permanent treatment.
Root Canal Treatment Prices
The condition of the infection, how long the operation will take, or how many sessions will be necessary are the factors that determine the price of the root canal treatment. For this reason, it is essential to have an examination first and to determine the price after the examination. If you would like to know the cost of root canal treatment and make an appointment to come and see us, please get in touch with us immediately.