1. What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a treatment method that preserves the functionality of the tooth by removing infected or damaged pulp tissue from the inside of the tooth. The canals inside the tooth root are cleaned, shaped, disinfected and filled with special filling materials.
2. What are the types of root canal treatment?
a) Root Canal Treatment for Single Channel Teeth
- It is usually applied for front teeth.
- Each of these teeth has a single root canal and the treatment process is simpler.
b) Root Canal Treatment in Multi-Canal Teeth
- It is applied to multi-rooted teeth such as molars.
- The treatment process may be longer as more than one canal needs to be cleaned.
c) Retreatment (Re-Canal Treatment)
- It is applied if there is infection or failure in a previous root canal treatment.
- Existing filling material is removed, the canal is cleaned and filled again.
d) Apical Resection (Root Tip Surgery)
- The infection at the tip of the tooth root is removed with a surgical procedure.
- It is preferred in cases where root canal treatment is not sufficient.
e) Pediatric Root Canal Treatment (Canal Treatment in Children)
- It is applied to milk teeth or young permanent teeth.
- Special methods are used to ensure the healthy growth of the child’s teeth.
3. In what cases is root canal treatment necessary?
- If there is deep decay or infection in the tooth,
- If the nerve of the tooth is damaged as a result of trauma,
- If there is severe pain and sensitivity in the tooth,
- If an abscess has formed around the tooth,
- If the dental nerve is affected due to a crack or fracture, root canal treatment is required.
4. Is pain felt during root canal treatment?
Since the treatment is performed under local anesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. However, there may be slight sensitivity for a few days after the procedure.
5. How long does root canal treatment take?
The duration of treatment depends on the condition of the tooth and the number of canals:
- For single canal teeth: It is usually completed in 1 session.
- For multi-channel teeth: It may take 2-3 sessions.
6. How long does the tooth last after root canal treatment?
A root canal treated tooth can last for years with proper care and good oral hygiene. However, since the root canal treated tooth can often be more fragile, it is recommended to put a crown on it when necessary.
7. What to do if root canal treatment fails?
The following methods can be applied in an unsuccessful root canal treatment:
- Retreatment: The infected filling is removed and the canal is cleaned again.
- Apical Resection: The infected root tip is surgically removed.
- Tooth Extraction: If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction is performed and an implant or prosthesis may be considered instead.
8. What are the materials used during root canal treatment?
- Canal files (for cleaning and shaping)
- Antibacterial solutions (for disinfection)
- Gutta-percha (rubber-based material used to fill canals)
- Filling and sealing materials
9. How do root canal treatment prices vary?
Prices vary depending on these factors:
- Number of root canals of the tooth (front teeth are cheaper than molars),
- Technologies used during treatment,
- The experience of the dentist and the region where the clinic is located.
10. Is there an alternative treatment instead of root canal treatment?
If the infection of the tooth is very advanced, root canal treatment may be the only solution. An alternative option is usually extraction of the tooth. However, root canal treatment is the best option to save the tooth and ensure the preservation of the natural tooth.
