Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment  is a treatment used to repair and save a severely decayed or infected tooth. During the root canal treatment process, the nerve and tooth pulp (pulp) are removed, the inner part of the tooth is cleaned and filled. Starting root canal treatment early is important for saving the tooth. When the aching tooth is neglected for a long time, the infection spreads to the surrounding tissues and the tooth is lost.

What is root canal treatment?

To understand root canal treatment, it is necessary to have a general knowledge of the structure of the tooth. Tooth, from outside to inside; It consists of 3 main layers: enamel, dentin and pulp. The natural space in the center of the tooth is also called the root canal. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the root canal. This tissue is rich in blood vessels and nerves that nourish the tooth. 

In ancient times, when an infection or inflammation progressed to the pulp layer, the tooth was no longer salvageable and was pulled out. Recent developments allow the pulp layer of the tooth to be cleaned and refilled. Although the pulp and the nerves inside are removed, the tooth fulfills its basic function. This is because the dental nerves are not of vital importance after the teeth come out of the gums and take their final shape. The only function of dental nerves in adults is sensory functions such as feeling the sensation of heat and cold. 

When the nerve tissue or pulp of a tooth is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply there. Bacteria can lead to a massive infection or abscess. An abscess is a pus-filled swelling that forms at the end of the tooth roots. If dental caries is not treated, it can lead to serious conditions such as bone loss around the root.