The dental specialty of endodontics deals with infectious and symptomatic conditions related to the root canal system. Dentists who specialize in this field are referred to as endodontists.
The inner structure of a tooth contains the pulp tissue, which is located at the very center and houses blood vessels and nerve bundles. When the pulp tissue is affected for various reasons, root canal treatment is applied to the teeth.
The process of root canal treatment includes the following steps:
Through this treatment, the natural structure of the tooth is preserved, preventing pain and infection. Root canal treatment aims to maintain the functionality of the tooth while preserving the oral health of the patient.
Root canal treatment is generally a painless procedure because the dentist numbs the area before the treatment. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and its surroundings, so the patient does not feel pain during the treatment.
However, there may be conditions causing pain due to infection or inflammation in the tooth before starting the treatment. Therefore, depending on the patient’s complaints and the results of the dentist’s examination, temporary measures can be taken to address the pain before the treatment.
During root canal treatment, the dentist cleans and shapes the inner part of the tooth and then fills it with a special filling material to control the infection. This process is performed painlessly. After the treatment, most patients may experience mild temporary pain or discomfort, but it is generally short-lived and of mild intensity. The dentist may recommend pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications if necessary.
Root canal treatment typically takes one or several sessions, but the exact number of sessions required can vary depending on the situation. The duration of the treatment may vary based on the severity of the infection, the location of the tooth, its complexity, and the condition before the start of the treatment.
In the first session, the dentist cleans the infected or inflamed tissues inside the tooth and shapes the canals. During this stage, a temporary filling is usually applied. In the second session, after the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a permanent filling material. In some cases, the treatment may be completed in three or more sessions, especially in more complex cases.
Your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan based on the examination and X-ray results. Since every patient is unique, the treatment process can vary from individual to individual.
The cost of root canal treatment can vary depending on several factors. Among these factors are the location of the tooth, the complexity of the treatment, the materials used, the number of sessions required, and the experience of the dentist performing the treatment. Additionally, geographic location, clinic standards, and local economic conditions can also influence prices.
In general, root canal treatment may be more costly compared to some other dental treatments because it can take longer and require special skills and equipment. However, considering the long-term cost effects of preserving the tooth and preventing its loss, root canal treatment is often a more economical option compared to tooth extraction.
To obtain precise information about the cost of treatment, it is important to visit the clinic where the treatment will be performed or communicate with your dentist to get detailed pricing.
Yes, filling and root canal treatment are different dental procedures. A filling is a treatment applied for small cavities or damages in the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth. It is used when the pulp tissue (nerve and blood vessels) of the tooth is not affected. The goal of a filling is to clean the damaged area and restore the normal function of the tooth by filling it with a suitable material.
On the other hand, root canal treatment is applied when the pulp tissue (nerve and blood vessels) of the tooth is inflamed or infected. During a root canal treatment, the pulp chamber is cleaned, shaped, sterilized, and then filled with a special filling material to preserve the tooth.
Therefore, every root canal treatment includes a filling procedure, but not every filling procedure requires a root canal treatment. Filling and root canal treatment are different treatment options applied based on the condition and needs of the tooth.
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