Endodontics

Pulp Capping

In cases where the decay is very close to the dental pulp tissue, it is a treatment method that prevents inflammation of the pulp using various medical materials in the event of pulp exposure or near-exposure during treatment, supporting the formation of new dentin in that area. After pulp capping is performed, the tooth is filled either immediately or after a period of waiting with a temporary filling.

Inflammation of the Pulp Tissue and Root Canal Treatment

Pulp tissue can become inflamed when untreated tooth decay reaches the pulp tissue and bacteria are carried to the area, or as a result of trauma to the tooth. In these cases, the tooth may experience very severe pain, and the pulp tissue may lose its vitality. In both situations, ‘root canal treatment’ should be performed. The aim of root canal treatment is a treatment approach based on the principle of removing the inflamed tissues and filling the remaining space with tissue-friendly materials. After the root canal filling is placed in teeth and the crown is restored, the tooth can function in the mouth for many years. Root canal treatment is a treatment method with a success rate of over 90%. During root canal filling, it is important to take X-rays at various stages and to fill the canal all the way to the very tip of the root.

Symptoms of Pulp Inflammation

Symptoms such as sensitivity to cold and heat, discoloration of the tooth, spontaneous severe pain that is especially felt at night, and swelling of the face due to an abscess are observed.

Discoloration of Teeth After Root Canal Treatment and Its Correction

Because the pulp tissue of the tooth is removed during root canal treatment, the tooth can no longer be nourished. Over time, the water content within its structure decreases, and depending on the root canal filling material used, the color of the tooth begins to darken. Some time after root canal treatment has been performed, the color of the tooth can be returned to normal by applying a whitening treatment.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

As a result of pulp tissue inflammation, very severe pain and lesions at the root tip of the tooth may occur, and this can lead to tooth loss. Root canal treatment prevents the loss of these teeth and, through restorations, allows them to be used functionally and aesthetically for many years. Being a more economical treatment than implant or bridge treatments that might be needed as a result of extracting these teeth is a major advantage. Proceeding to extraction of the tooth without root canal treatment would be an incorrect practice.