Root Canal Treatments
Root canal treatment involves removing the pulp from the tooth's root and replacing it with a new filling material. Thanks to local anesthesia, this previously painful and complicated procedure can now be performed without pain or with minimal discomfort. This pain is also much less than the pain of a decayed tooth.
The pulp, which feeds the teeth and consists of nerve cells, becomes infected due to fractures or cracks on the tooth's surface. When this infection extends to the tooth's root, it leads to complete loss of the tooth.
If left untreated, they cause swelling of the face and neck, tooth abscess, or swelling of the gums. The alternative to this treatment is removing the tooth and replacing it with a new implant or bridge.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is usually performed in one or two visits. Before the treatment, X-ray film is taken, and the extent of the damage is examined.
A dental dam is placed in the patient's mouth to prevent infection and keep the mouth clean. Upon cleaning the tooth surface, the dentist opens a channel that allows him to reach the pulp and clean it thoroughly.
After the diseased area is completely cleaned, the pulp and its surroundings are thoroughly disinfected. The cleaned hole is enlarged a little more and shaped again.
Dentists may apply for additional medicine to ensure the canal is completely cleaned. The dentist will prescribe antibiotics if the decay has spread much farther than the tooth's root.
To prevent re-infection, a temporary filling material is used to close the canal until the permanent crown is placed, and the patient should not apply too much pressure to their treated tooth during this period.
When Is A Root Canal Required?
A dentist determines whether root canal treatment is necessary after taking an X-ray film. Root canal therapy will be required if the tooth's pulp is infected all the way to the root. When the tooth pulp is infected;
- You may feel pain when eating hot or cold foods,
- Your teeth hurt when biting hard food,
- The infected tooth may loosen.
In addition, symptoms may disappear in cases where the dental pulp completely dies. However, in this case, the infection goes deeper. The patient may begin to exhibit the following symptoms after a while.
- Pain while biting and chewing,
- Swelling at the gingival margins,
- A swollen gum or jaw,
- Darker tooth color.
How Long Does A Root Canal Treatment Take?
Depending on the extent of the damage, a root canal treatment may require one or two appointments. These appointments can last from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. The appointment time may be longer for larger and wider teeth, especially for molars. In particular, the treatment period of two-rooted teeth is longer.
The second appointment usually involves placing the permanent filling material and applying the crown. For extensive infections, it is advisable to wait for a second appointment to ensure no bacteria remain inside the canal.
How Long Is Root Canal Treatment Effective?
The most important factors affecting root canal treatment spans are;
- Good oral care.
- How many natural teeth are left around the treated tooth, and the amount of pressure applied to the tooth surface.
- In very rare cases, the dentist may not notice the small leakage in the adjacent canal in bilateral teeth, failing the treatment in the future.
In a study conducted on approximately 500,000 patients, the success rates of root canal treatment are as follows;
- The 1-year survival rate is 98%
- The 5-year survival rate is 92%
- The 10-year survival rate is 86%
In light of these rates, if your mouth does not have any structural problems, root canal treatment can serve you for years if you practice proper oral hygiene. By the way, since the nerves inside the tooth are completely removed in root canal treatments, patients may not be aware of new cavities or damages.
What Does Root Canal Treatment Involve?
A root canal treatment consists of 5 stages.
1- Preparing
- Before the treatment, X-Rays of the infected tooth are taken by your dentist.
- The dentist determines the extent of the damage.
- Local anesthesia is applied to the patient before the treatment, and the area to be treated is numbed.
2- Removing the Pulp
- A rubber sheet dam is placed by the dentist to keep the mouth dry and prevent the infection from spreading.
- The dentist drills a hole in the tooth surface to reach the infected area and removes the infected pulp.
- Your dentist will also treat an abscess if there is one in your mouth, which is a pus-filled swelling.
3- Cleaning and Filling
Immediately following the removal of the infected pulp, the canal must be thoroughly cleaned.
- The dentist slightly expands the canal.
- He ensures sterilization of the canal.
- The dentist may need to make another appointment if more canals need to be filled, or the treatment might take longer.
The dentist then fills the canal with a temporary filling and applies for antibacterial medicine afterward.
4-Sealing and Fixing the Tooth
At your next visit, your dentist will remove your temporary fillings, clean the canal and your teeth, and complete your root canal treatment. The tooth must be protected with a crown if a large-scale treatment has been applied.
5- Placement of a Crown
A crown provides a 360-degree coating of a tooth. Your dentist creates a mold of the treated tooth and, in collaboration with you, decides which crown is right for you. The crown placement is usually made within the same day of the second visit. However, your dentist may arrange another appointment for a crown.
How Much Does A Root Canal Cost?
In some cases, a filling might not be enough to fix the damage, so a crown may be needed, which adds more funds to your final bill. In root canal treatment fees, anterior teeth and molars may differ by up to 40%.
The USA Root Canal Cost
According to the ADA (American Dental Association) Survey of Dental Fees, a root canal treatment in the United States costs between $600-$1200 on average, while when you combine this treatment with a crown, the cost can rise to $1800-$4500.
UK Root Canal Cost
In the UK, the price of a root canal with a private dentist varies between £350 and £650 for the front teeth, and from £600 to £1000 for the back teeth. Depending on your dentist and the material you use, you can expect to pay between £700-£1500 for a crown.
Germany Root Canal Prices
Average prices of Germany, depending on materials:
- Root canal treatment: €700 - €1000
- Composite fillings: €200 - €250
- Ceramic crowns: €600 – €1000
Root Canal Cost Turkey
It is almost the same cost of root canal in Turkey as in UK under the National Health Service. An average root canal treatment ranges from £70 to £150. Furthermore, covering a root canal with a crown in Turkey will not strain your budget; depending on the type of crown that you choose, it will cost about £250-£350.
Why Choose Turkey for Root Canal Treatment?
Despite the high cost of root canal treatment, most of these costs are covered by insurance companies. While the private health insurance level is among the highest in UK, only 13% of its citizens have private health insurance. The majority of patients have to settle for what the NHS (National Health Service) offers them. If there is no urgent need for treatment, you must wait for a long time.
| Why Turkey for root canal treatment |
| Affordable cost |
| Experienced dentists |
| Good healthcare system |
| Modern dental clinics |
| Good tourusm opportunities |
You can, however, combine your root canal in Antalya treatment with your holiday plan or combine your holiday with your root canal in Turkey. Despite all these travel expenses, you will still have a memorable holiday and get quality treatment at a lower cost than in your home country. Here at Medical Dental, we are pleased to welcome you to Antalya, the gorgeous holiday destination in Turkey.
How Many Sessions Does Root Canal Treatment Take in Turkey?
Root canal treatments usually consist of two sessions, but a single session may be sufficient for simpler treatments, or it may consist of three sessions in cases where multiple roots are infected or the infection spreads to different areas.
Thanks to our in-house laboratory facilities and CAD-CAM technology, we can usually complete the crown treatment during your second visit to our clinic.
How Much Does Root Canal Treatment Cost in Turkey?
Root canal treatment Turkey prices range from £70 to 150. In Turkey, crowns, one of this treatment's requirements, can also be made at very affordable prices. You can get the best quality zirconium or E-max crowns for an average of £300 to 400 here.
Root Canal Treatment - FAQ
What Should I Do After Root Canal Treatment?
You should pay attention to these points to fast recovery after root canal treatment;
Don’t Eat Right Away
Do not eat until the sensitivity in the treated tooth area has completely disappeared, and pay attention to your chewing when you start eating.
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Your dentist will recommend an anti-inflammatory painkiller to prevent post-treatment pain.
Gargle With Warm Salted Water
Gargling with warm water and salt will reduce the risk of spreading infection in your mouth after treatment. You can gargle by adding half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of water for gargling.
Cold Compresses
If swelling occurs in your mouth after treatment, you can compress the swelling by compressing it with ice.
Is it Cheaper to Get Dental Work Done in Turkey?
Dental treatment prices are quite affordable in Turkey compared to European countries or America. Also, you usually do not pay for an X-Ray and consultation in Turkey.
Low labor costs characterize the Turkish economy, so clinics in the country prefer the best quality dental products. You can check out the root canal before and after Turkey’s pictures. European economy, on the contrary, is characterized by high labor costs, so sometimes European dentists prefer low-quality products to reduce prices.
Is There an Alternative to Root Canal?
The alternative to root canal treatment is to remove the tooth and replace it with an implant or bridge. Although antibiotics suppress inflammation, they cannot completely eliminate your infection.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Root canal treatment is performed by applying local anesthesia, and no pain occurs during the treatment other than the vibration of the instruments.
What is the Minimum Age for Root Canal Treatment?
In root canal treatment, the minimum age limit can be somewhat flexible, but root canal treatment is generally not recommended in children because their tooth roots are not fully developed. However, if root canal treatment in children is deemed necessary, it can be performed by following a number of methods different from adults.
The dentist should determine an appropriate treatment plan based on the child's dental development and health. Typically, root canal treatment in children is postponed until adolescence, when the tooth has completed its full development. Therefore, the minimum age for root canal treatment may vary, usually depending on the age at which the tooth has completed root development.
Is Root Canal Treatment Worth it?
Yes, it is worth having a root canal for several reasons
Root canal treatment is often considered worth it when faced with a severely infected or damaged tooth. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning, and sealing the tooth, thus alleviating pain and preventing the need for extraction.
By preserving the natural tooth, root canal therapy maintains oral function and aesthetics. While the treatment may have a reputation for discomfort, advancements in dental techniques and anesthesia have significantly improved patient experience.
In many cases, the long-term benefits of saving a tooth through root canal treatment outweigh the temporary inconveniences, contributing to improved oral health and overall well-being. In this context, Antalya root canal treatment will be a very good decision to improve your dental health and preserve the natural tooth due to the use of modern dental techniques and equipment.
Root Canal vs. Extraction Pros and Cons
| Aspect | Root Canal Treatment | Tooth Extraction |
| Pros | Tooth Preservation | Immediate Relie |
| Oral Function | Simplicity | |
| Aesthetics | Affordable Cost | |
| Long-Term Solution | ||
| Cons | Procedure Time | Tooth Los |
| Cost | Aesthetic Concerns | |
| Potential Complication | Functional Impact |
It's important to note that the decision between root canal treatment and tooth extraction depends on various factors, including the specific condition of the tooth, the patient's overall oral health, and personal preferences. For those considering root canal treatment in Antalya, it is best to consult our Antalya dental clinic and dentists to determine the most suitable option.
How long after root canal can I eat?
After root canal treatment, it is generally recommended to wait for the numbness caused by anesthesia to pass before eating. This usually takes a few hours. Once the drowsiness has passed, you can start with soft foods and gradually transition to regular eating as tolerated.