Root Canal Treatment
Endodontic Treatment in Istanbul
If you are suffering from intense or persistent tooth pain, you may need root canal treatment. When a tooth becomes cracked, damaged, or severely decayed, the inner pulp tissue can become infected, leading to discomfort and sensitivity.
Large fillings, untreated cavities, or recent dental trauma can also increase the risk of infection inside the tooth. At Istanbul Care, our dental team carefully examines the affected area to determine whether endodontic treatment is necessary to remove the infection and preserve the natural tooth.
When is a root canal required?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is needed when the inner tissue of the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This usually happens when bacteria reach the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth, often as a result of deep decay, trauma, or an untreated cavity.
In the early stages, an infection may not always cause noticeable pain. However, changes such as tooth discoloration or darkening can indicate that the nerve is being affected. If the infection is not treated in time, it can progress and lead to severe pain, the development of an abscess, and potentially the loss of the tooth. At Istanbul Care, root canal treatment is performed to remove the infection and help preserve the natural tooth structure.
5 Signs of Infection
A dental infection can develop deep inside the tooth, often without noticeable symptoms at first. However, as the infection progresses, certain warning signs may appear. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may indicate that root canal treatment is needed:
-
Severe pain while chewing or applying pressure
Discomfort when eating or biting down firmly can be a sign of infection inside the tooth.
-
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
If sensitivity lingers after contact with hot or cold foods, it may suggest nerve involvement.
-
Tooth discoloration
A tooth that darkens or changes color may indicate that the nerve is damaged or dying.
-
A small swelling or bump on the gum
A pimple-like bump near the painful tooth can be linked to an abscess.
-
Swollen or tender gums
Redness, swelling, or soreness around the tooth may show that the infection is affecting nearby tissues.
What does treatment involve?
Root canal treatment is performed to eliminate infection from inside the tooth, protect the remaining structure, and restore oral health. The procedure involves cleaning the infected nerve tissue and sealing the tooth to prevent future complications. At Istanbul Care, endodontic treatment is carried out by experienced clinicians, and local anaesthesia is always used to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the process.
At your first visit, our dental team will take an X-ray to evaluate the extent of the infection and plan the treatment. Once the area is numbed, a protective rubber sheet known as a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and isolated during the procedure. Specialised instruments are then used to carefully remove the infected pulp from the root canals.
After the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, the empty canal space is filled with a biocompatible sealing material to secure the tooth internally. A temporary filling is usually placed to complete the first stage of treatment. During your follow-up appointment at Istanbul Care, a custom-made crown is prepared and fitted to restore the tooth’s strength, appearance, and long-term function.
Why is it called a root canal?
The part of the tooth that you can see above the gum line is known as the crown, while the section anchored inside the jawbone is called the root. Inside the tooth, there is a narrow channel that extends from the crown down through the roots. This internal space is referred to as the root canal system.
The root canals contain soft tissue known as dental pulp. This pulp plays an important role in nourishing the tooth and providing sensation, especially in response to hot and cold temperatures. When bacteria enter the tooth due to decay, cracks, or trauma, the pulp can become infected and inflamed, often causing significant discomfort.
As the infection progresses, the pulp tissue may eventually die. At this stage, pain can sometimes decrease, but the infection remains and may continue to spread through the root canal system. Unlike other types of infections, root canal infections cannot be resolved with antibiotics alone. At Istanbul Care, we recommend prompt dental evaluation if you experience persistent toothache, as untreated infection can lead to more serious complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat infection inside a tooth by removing the inflamed or infected pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing the space to prevent further infection. This treatment helps save the natural tooth instead of extracting it.
A root canal may be necessary when bacteria reach the tooth’s pulp due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Common signs include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling in the gums, or a dental abscess.
Modern root canal treatment is typically performed under local anesthesia, so patients usually feel little or no pain during the procedure. Most treatments can be completed in one or two visits and help relieve the discomfort caused by the infection.
During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and then fills and seals the space to prevent future infection. The tooth is usually restored with a filling or crown to protect it and restore normal function.
Most root canal procedures take about 60 to 90 minutes and may be completed in one or two dental visits depending on the severity of the infection. Complex cases or teeth with multiple canals may require additional time for proper cleaning and sealing.