Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that diagnoses and treats diseases of tooth roots and surrounding tissues. In deep caries where the tooth is very decayed, the vascular-nerve package (pulp) that gives vitality to the tooth is affected, infected and the infection can spread to the root tip. If neglected, infection from the root tip to surrounding tissues; goes to the jawbone and can cause cysts and tumors in the jawbone. Surgery or tooth extraction may be required. In such cases, root canal treatment is performed to keep the tooth in the mouth. Root canal treatment is performed without pain with the anesthetics used during the treatment.
In deep caries where the tooth is very decayed, the vascular-nerve package (pulp) that gives vitality to the tooth is affected, infected and the infection can spread to the root tip. If neglected, infection from the root tip to surrounding tissues; It goes to the jawbone and can cause cysts and tumors in the jawbone. Surgery or tooth extraction may be required. In such cases, root canal treatment is performed to keep the tooth in the mouth. It usually ends in a single session under anesthesia. In cases with abscess, that is, inflamed cases, the treatment may take several sessions.
Root canal treatment may vary depending on the number of roots in the person’s tooth, infection in the root canals, and cleaning of the nerves. In some cases, additional procedures may be required. In this case, your doctor will inform you about the procedures.
Root canal treatment may take up to a week depending on the infection status of the tooth. An average root canal treatment can take approximately 30 to 90 minutes. In some cases, for example, if there is an infection, a week’s wait is required before closing the tooth as the dentist will put in medication to clean the tooth.
In other cases, the tooth can be sealed the day it is cleaned. If the root canal treatment is not completed on the same day, a temporary filling is placed in the hole so that the canal is not re-infected and remains clean.
When the tooth is to be closed, a paste is placed inside the hole to prevent leakage. The external access hole opened at the beginning of the treatment is then closed with a filling.
It is necessary to avoid chewing with that tooth until the root canal treatment is completely completed, that is, the permanent filling is placed. In this way, it will be possible to prevent both re-contamination of the inner part of the tooth and damage to the temporarily weakened tooth before it is supported. Normal dental care, such as brushing teeth and using an antiseptic mouthwash, should be maintained throughout this period.
Full restoration of the tooth may require further action. Since the tooth in need of root canal treatment is usually a tooth with a large filling or extensive decay or other weakness, procedures such as crowns and crowns can be applied to protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking. The need for these procedures will be indicated in advance by the dentist.
How Many Sessions Is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
Root canal treatment can be completed in a single session with the decision of the physician. Current literature supports root canal treatment in a single session with the developing technology in endodontics. Intracanal drug use may be required to ensure canal disinfection. In such cases, two or longer sessions may be needed. However, if the condition of the tooth is suitable for routine, root canal treatment can be completed in a single session.
How Long Is the Life of a Root Canal Treated Tooth?
The life of a root canal treated tooth is affected by many different factors. It is affected by many reasons such as the reason for which root canal treatment is performed (diagnosis), the completion of the root canal treatment under ideal conditions, the selection of the right upper restoration (veneer, filling, etc.), the patient’s oral care and systemic history. However, the purpose of root canal treatment in general is to ensure that the tooth functions in the mouth for a long time.