What is Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)?

The term endodontics is derived from two Greek words: ‘’endo’’ (inner) and ‘’dons’’ (tooth). Taken together, these words mean the inner part of the tooth or the pulp. Endodontics is a field of dentistry that covers the examination of a number of diseases affecting the dental pulp and the treatment procedures for these diseases.

In Which Cases Is Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment) Necessary?

The tooth consists of enamel, dentin, cementum and the pulp. Pulp is the innermost and softest layer of the tooth. The pulp is protected by the enamel, which is the outermost layer of the tooth, and the dentin located under the enamel. Enamel and dentin prevent bacteria formed in the mouth from infecting the pulp. In the event of tooth decay, holes or gaps occur in the enamel. In this case, bacteria begin to reach the pulp. However, as a result of the gaps formed in the enamel, the sensitivity of the tooth pulp to cold and heat becomes clearly felt. Since the pulp is a rich structure in terms of nerves and blood vessels, sensitivity and toothache problems may be encountered in case of infection. The treatment performed when the dental pulp is infected is root canal treatment.

How is Root Canal Treatment Performed?

In old practices, damaged and deteriorated teeth were extracted, while with today's technologies, root canal treatment can be applied to the infected tooth, ensuring that the tooth remains in the mouth for many years.

Root canal treatment is a common procedure used to treat dental pulp in cases of moderate or severe tooth decay. The root canal of the tooth is reached to treat the pulp of the infected tooth. The infected surface is completely cleaned and the root canal is expanded and a filling treatment is applied. The tooth is sealed to prevent recurrence of the infection. Today, thanks to the high technologies and advanced materials used in dental treatments, root canals can be cleaned more effectively.

How Do I Know If I Need Root Canal Treatment?

Here are some signs that the decaying tooth pulp may be infected:

• Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold on one or more teeth
• External pain that starts spontaneously and increases especially at night
• Sudden pain while chewing and inability to chew comfortably
• Changes in tooth color