Endodontics

Endodontics focuses on preserving and treating the pulp tissue inside the tooth. Located beneath the enamel and dentin, the pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that support tooth development, nutrition, and defense. When decay, trauma, cracks, or periodontal infections inflame or infect the pulp, oral health and comfort can be severely affected. Our endodontists at Yaprak Dent use modern diagnostics and therapies to save teeth and avoid extraction whenever possible.

Why Does the Pulp Become Damaged?

Deep decay: Bacteria penetrate dentin and reach the pulp, causing pulpitis.
Trauma: Sudden impact, cracks, or fractures disrupt blood flow to the pulp and may lead to necrosis.
Restorative procedures: Repeated or lengthy dental treatments can irritate the pulp.
Periodontal disease: Gum infections can spread to the pulp through accessory canals on the root surface.
Cracked-tooth syndrome: Microscopic cracks trigger sensitivity to temperature and chewing discomfort.

Without treatment, inflamed pulp tissue progresses to irreversible pulpitis and eventually loses vitality. Advanced infection spreads to the root tip, resulting in abscesses, fistulas, bone loss, and persistent pain.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy removes inflamed or necrotic pulp tissue, shapes the root canals, and seals them with biocompatible materials. The aim is to retain the tooth and restore function. Using dental microscopes, lasers, ultrasonic irrigation, and nickel-titanium rotary instruments, our endodontists complete treatment efficiently and comfortably.

Diagnosis and Planning

Clinical examination: Thermal testing, percussion, palpation, and mobility assessments determine pulpal and periapical status.
Radiographs: Digital periapical images, panoramic radiographs, or CBCT scans reveal root morphology, lesions, and anatomical variations.
Vitality tests: Electrical or thermal tests evaluate pulp vitality.
Restorative planning: We plan the post-treatment restoration in advance, including whether the tooth will require a crown.

Stages of Root Canal Therapy

Anesthesia and isolation: Local anesthesia ensures comfort. A rubber dam isolates the tooth to maintain an aseptic field.
Access cavity: Decay and old restorations are removed to expose the pulp chamber.
Working length determination: Apex locators and radiographs establish the exact length of each canal.
Canal shaping: Nickel-titanium rotary files and hand instruments shape the canals; ultrasonic activation enhances cleaning.
Irrigation: Solutions such as sodium hypochlorite, EDTA, and chlorhexidine disinfect canals and dissolve organic tissue.
Drying and obturation: Paper points dry the canals, which are then filled three-dimensionally with gutta-percha and sealers using lateral condensation, single-cone, or thermoplastic techniques.
Temporary or definitive restoration: A temporary filling seals the tooth until follow-up. Final restoration—composite filling, inlay/onlay, or porcelain crown—is placed once healing is confirmed.

Retreatment and Apical Surgery

Previously treated teeth that fail may require retreatment. Old filling materials are removed, canals are cleaned and reshaped, and new fillings are placed. When canals cannot be re-entered or infection persists, apical surgery (apicoectomy) removes the root tip and places a retrograde filling to resolve the infection.

Technologies in Endodontics

Dental microscope: Provides magnification to identify canal anatomy, cracks, extra canals, or broken instruments.
CBCT imaging: Offers 3D visualization of complex anatomy, resorptions, and lesions.
Laser-assisted disinfection: Reduces bacterial load and supports healing.
Ultrasonic systems: Improve irrigation efficiency and facilitate removal of broken instruments.
Bioceramic sealers: Materials such as MTA or Biodentine enhance sealing ability and biocompatibility.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Tooth preservation: Maintains natural tooth structure, supporting function, esthetics, and chewing efficiency.
Pain relief: Eliminates severe pulp-related pain rapidly.
Control of infection: Prevents infected teeth from contributing to systemic conditions affecting the heart, kidneys, or joints.
Cost-effective: More conservative and economical than extraction followed by implants or prosthetics.
High success rate: With proper indication, technology, and maintenance, success rates exceed 90%.

Aftercare

Mild sensitivity during the first day is normal and can be managed with prescribed analgesics.
Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until the final restoration is placed.
Brush, floss, and use interdental brushes regularly to prevent reinfection.
Attend 6-month and 12-month check-ups for radiographic evaluation of healing.
Use a night guard if you clench or grind your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is root canal treatment painful?
Modern anesthesia and equipment keep the procedure comfortable. Any post-operative sensitivity typically subsides within a few days.

How long does treatment take?
Many cases are completed in a single visit; however, advanced infections may require multiple sessions. Each appointment usually lasts 1–2 hours.

Can every tooth be saved with a root canal?
In cases of root fractures, severe bone loss, or unrestorable crowns, extraction may still be necessary. Your dentist will determine the best option.

Is root canal therapy safe during pregnancy?
When needed, treatment can be performed with appropriate anesthetics and medications. Radiographs are limited and taken with protective measures.

Are root canal-treated teeth more brittle?
Because the pulp is removed, teeth can become more fragile. Crowns are often recommended for posterior teeth to prevent fractures.

The Yaprak Dent Endodontic Approach

Our endodontists adopt a minimally invasive philosophy under dental microscopy to preserve as much tooth structure as possible. We document treatments digitally and use bioceramic materials alongside warm gutta-percha techniques for superior sealing. Collaboration with our periodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics teams ensures that any restorative needs are met under one roof after endodontic therapy.

Consultation and Appointments

If you experience temperature sensitivity, spontaneous pain, night aches, or discomfort while chewing, consult our endodontists without delay. During your first visit at Yaprak Dent we perform clinical and radiographic evaluations, then explain the treatment plan, costs, and number of sessions. Submit our online form or call our hotline for same-day guidance and take the professional step toward saving your natural tooth.