Root canal treatment aims to keep a tooth in the mouth by cleaning out the inflamed or infected nerve and vessel tissue inside it and filling the canals. The procedure starts with an examination and an X-ray, and continues under local anesthesia with the cleaning, shaping and filling of the canals. We explain the steps in order below.
What root canal treatment is and when it is done
Root canal treatment may be needed when deep decay, trauma, a crack or an infection under an old filling reaches the nerve of the tooth. Common signs are long-lasting sensitivity to hot and cold, pain that increases at night, pain when biting and swelling on the gum. Sometimes it can also be noticed on an X-ray without any symptoms. For options in deep decay, you can read the article how deep decay can be treated without root canal treatment.
Deciding with an examination and an X-ray
The dentist first listens to your complaint and assesses the state of the nerve by touching the tooth and with cold and hot tests. The X-ray shows the inflammation at the root tip and the structure of the canals. If needed, more detailed imaging is carried out. Whether the tooth can be saved is decided with these findings.
The steps of root canal treatment
- The area is numbed with local anesthesia.
- The tooth is isolated with a rubber dam to keep it away from saliva.
- The decayed part and the part with an old filling are opened to reach the canals.
- The length of the canals is measured; infected and inflamed tissue is removed.
- The canals are shaped with special instruments and rinsed with antiseptic solutions.
- The canals are filled with root filling material (gutta percha).
- The tooth is closed with a filling or, if necessary, a crown.
In complex canal structures, microscope support increases the precision of the treatment; you can look at our Ankara microscopic root canal treatment page for this. Our Ankara root canal treatment page is also useful for general information.
What endodontics deals with
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the nerve tissue inside the tooth and the area around the root. Root canal treatment can be done by a general dentist as well as by an endodontist. Complex cases, the renewal of previously done treatments and difficult canal structures generally fall within the field of endodontics.
Does root canal treatment save the tooth
Cleaning the infected tissue and sealing the canals allows many teeth to stay in the mouth without being extracted. If enough sound structure remains in the tooth and the bone around the root responds to treatment, it is possible to keep the tooth. Whether a tooth can be saved is determined by an examination.
What the tooth’s lifespan depends on after treatment
The lifespan of the tooth depends on the quality of the canal filling, how well the filling or crown placed on top seals, the remaining tooth tissue and oral hygiene. In teeth under heavy chewing load, a crown can be protective. You can take a look at the article how long does a root canal treated tooth last on this subject.
When extraction comes up
Extraction may come up if the root of the tooth is cracked, if too little tooth tissue remains to carry a crown, or if the bone around the root has been largely lost. In this case the dentist also explains the options after extraction.
What to ask your dentist before treatment
- Can my tooth be saved, and what findings is that based on?
- How many sessions will the treatment take to complete?
- Will a crown be needed after the treatment?
- What does the cost cover?
Frequently asked questions
What is root canal treatment and when is it done?
It is a treatment in which the infected or inflamed nerve tissue inside the tooth is cleaned out and the canals are filled. It may be needed in cases such as deep decay, trauma and cracks.
How is root canal treatment done, and what are its steps?
It consists of the steps of anesthesia, isolation, opening the tooth, cleaning and shaping the canals, filling them, and closing the tooth with a filling or crown.
Does root canal treatment really save a tooth?
If the tooth has enough sound structure, it often helps keep the tooth without extraction. The final decision is made after the examination and X-ray.
How long does a root canal treated tooth last?
It is not possible to give an exact period; the lifespan depends on the quality of the canal filling, the restoration on top and oral care.
What does endodontics deal with, and does an endodontist do root canal treatment?
Endodontics deals with diseases of the nerve tissue inside the tooth and the area around the root. Root canal treatment can be done by a general dentist as well as by an endodontist.
Why does the cost of root canal treatment vary from person to person?
The location of the tooth, the number and structure of the canals, the state of the infection, whether treatments have been done before and whether a crown is needed on top all affect the cost.
If you would like to book an examination appointment for your tooth complaint, you can contact us.
