General Dentistry

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure designed to save a severely infected or damaged tooth by removing the diseased pulp tissue from within the root canal system. The dental pulp — a soft tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue — can become inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or trauma. Without treatment, the infection can spread to surrounding bone, leading to abscess formation and eventual tooth loss.

The procedure begins with thorough diagnostic imaging, including digital periapical radiographs and sometimes CBCT scans, to assess the number and curvature of root canals. Under local anaesthesia, a rubber dam is placed to isolate the tooth and maintain a sterile field. The endodontist creates an access opening through the crown of the tooth and uses specialised rotary nickel-titanium files to carefully clean, shape, and disinfect each root canal. Irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and EDTA solutions ensures thorough removal of bacteria and debris.

Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with gutta-percha — a biocompatible rubber-like material — and sealed with dental cement to prevent re-infection. In most cases, a dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength and protect it from fracture, as root-canal-treated teeth can become brittle over time.

Good candidates include patients experiencing severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, darkening of the tooth, or swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums. Modern root canal treatment is far more comfortable than its reputation suggests, with most patients reporting that the experience is similar to having a filling placed.

Istanbul's endodontic specialists utilise state-of-the-art dental operating microscopes, rotary file systems, and electronic apex locators to perform root canal treatments with exceptional precision. Treatment costs are a fraction of UK prices, and the procedure can often be completed in a single visit, making it convenient for patients combining dental care with their Istanbul trip.