Endodontics is a branch that deals with the treatment of root canals found in teeth. Beneath the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth lies a section called the “pulp,” which contains the blood vessels and nerve bundle that keep the tooth alive. This section, called the “pulp chamber” in the crown of the tooth, extends all the way to the end of the tooth roots. When the pulp becomes inflamed for any reason, the nerve of the tooth must be removed, the canals must be sterilized, and then filled. Root canal treatment is performed in a single session in vital teeth and generally in two sessions in non-vital teeth.
There are bacteria in the oral cavity of every individual. They do not cause harm unless unfavorable conditions develop. Bacteria combine with many foods we consume and cause the formation of acids in the mouth. If these acids are not removed from the oral environment, they damage the enamel and cause cavities to form in the enamel layer. If enamel caries are not treated, they progress into the dentin layer beneath the enamel. Although the dentin layer warns us through pain, if the cavity is still not treated, microorganisms begin to move toward the pulp. At this stage, the pulp activates various defense mechanisms to protect itself. One of these mechanisms is warning us through pain. However, if we still do not have the tooth treated, microorganisms eventually damage the blood vessels and nerves inside the pulp, leading to the formation of inflammation.
Another cause of inflammation in the pulp is trauma. A blow to the tooth may cause the blood vessels and nerves entering from the root tip to tear, leading to tooth devitalization. The addition of microorganisms in such a situation results in pulp inflammation. Another reason for pulp infection is the presence of long-term periodontal (gum and surrounding tissues) disease around the tooth.
Pain and sensitivity caused by hot and cold foods and beverages, as well as pain during chewing, may indicate inflammation or the onset of an inflammatory process. Excessive discoloration of a tooth can also be perceived as a sign of inflammation. In teeth where decay reaches the pulp but remains untreated, the infection can extend from the root tip to the jawbone and cause small or large swellings on the face. In this case, in addition to dental treatment, the use of antibiotics is appropriate for combating infection. The general belief is that a tooth causing facial swelling should be extracted once the swelling subsides. However, this is an outdated opinion. Even teeth causing major infections can be retained and kept functional for many years through root canal treatment.
Treatment Methods
- Identifying the problematic tooth through radiographic imaging.
- If the tooth is vital, performing local anesthesia to eliminate sensitivity in the tooth and surrounding tissues.
- Cleaning decay in the enamel and dentin layers and creating an access cavity to reach the pulp.
- Isolating the tooth using a rubber dam.
- Determining the working length using electronic devices and confirming it radiographically.
- Removing infected dentin and microorganisms inside the root canal using rotary instrument systems.
- Eliminating microorganisms using various root canal disinfectants during rotary instrumentation.
- If the tooth is non-vital at the beginning of treatment, placing a canal medicament inside the canal and waiting for a period before filling the root canals in the next appointment.
After root canal treatment, the goal is to sever the connection between the tooth and surrounding tissues, prevent reinfection, and repair any damage that may have occurred in the surrounding tissues. Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia and is painless.
Following root canal treatment—especially after treatment of vital teeth—mild pain lasting a few days or tenderness upon biting may occur. This is a normal post-treatment response. With slight protection of the treated tooth, this discomfort resolves quickly. Today, the success rate of properly performed root canal treatments is up to 90%.
Our Physicians
Endodontics
|
NAME & SURNAME |
DEPARTMENT |
AREA OF SPECIALIZATION |
Prof. Dr. Dilara ARSLAN
| Endodontics | Endodontics |
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Işıl KAYA BÜYÜKBAYRAM
| Endodontics | Endodontics
|
Asst. Prof. Dr. Duygu BİLGİLİ
| Endodontics | Endodontics
|
Asst. Prof. Dr. Ece Çalışkan
| Endodontics | Endodontics
|
Asst. Prof. Dr. Süha Alpay
| Endodontics | Endodontics
|
Asst. Prof. Dr. Melisa Uslu
| Endodontics | Endodontics
|
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sana MAHROOS MKHAILEF AL-SHAMMARI
| Endodontics | Endodontics
|
Research Assistant Hakkı Talha YILDIZ
| Endodontics | Endodontics
|
Research Assistant Elif ÇAKILKAYA
| Endodontics | Endodontics
|
