The Best Detailed Guide Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)

Duration

1-2 Days

Cost

Start From 150$

Additional Services
  • Annual Check-Up
  • Local Anesthesia
  • Free Panorama X-ray
  • Private Language Assistance

Table of Contents

Do you have a bad toothache when drinking hot or cold beverages? Have you ever felt tooth pain that wakes you up from a beautiful dream? Or did you get a sudden spontaneous toothache? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you probably need root canal treatment.

What Is A Root Canal Treatment?

It’s the dental procedure of removing the decayed, inflamed, infected, or dead pulp tissue from the tooth core, carefully cleaning and disinfecting the inner chambers of the tooth, and then filling and sealing the space to prevent future infections. and it’s called endodontic therapy which is a tooth-saving procedure from tooth extraction.

What Is Dental Pulp?

It’s a soft tissue that lives inside the tooth structure, beneath the enamel and dentin layers, the core of every tooth is the dental pulp which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay (Pulpitis), repeated dental procedures, or a crack in the tooth. Once inflamed and goes through irreversible inflammation (irreversible pulpitis), there’s no way to heal this pulp tissue with any medication or any oral hygiene management, it needs Endodontic therapy or Root Canal Treatment.

tooth structure for root canal treatment explaination

What Are The Benefits Of Getting A Root Canal?

The primary goal of root canal treatment is to preserve natural tooth structure, not just pain relief from all the symptoms we have discussed earlier. Endodontic therapy provides several advantages which are :

  1. keeping and preserving intact natural tooth structure, that is the ultimate goal is to maintain the efficiency and functionality of normal tooth structure which are chewing, and speaking. preserve intact periodontal tissue (surrounded gum and bones) that are getting deteriorated and endangered from the process of teeth extraction.
  2. Pain relief:
    As the root canal treatment (RCT) removes the infected and damaged pulp tissue from the tooth chamber and root, the pain is permanently faded away as the source of pain is removed.
  3. Prevent the spread of infection:
    If the inflamed pulp tissue is left untreated, the infection causes the pulp tissue to slowly form a dental abscess inside the root of the tooth, which, if left untreated, could lead to spread that infection outside the root to reach the bone of the jaws and worse could reach vital structure the sinuses, or break its way through the bone to form fistula oozing pus inside the mouth or outside the fascial spaces, which in this case the treatment may require surgical intervention.
  4. Preserving an intact abutment for Dental Crown:
    Saving the tooth structure by Root Canal Treatment makes the tooth structure intact and available to continue its normal functionality and also to be an abutment for the dental crown which is less costly than extracting this infected tooth and undergoing replacement by dental bridge or dental implant.
  5. Minimizing long-term dental issues:
    Tooth Extraction, is the alternative to root canal treatment, although it is considered a faster and less costly solution. However it has very serious future complications such as bone loss, and the need to replace the extracted tooth/ teeth with costly dental implants or bridges, Compared to these complications, RCT is a cost-effective way to treat the infected tooth and regain its functionality with reducing the risk of further complications in the future.
  6. Pleasing Result:
    With effective endodontic therapy, modern restorative materials, and protection of the tooth with dental crowns, the treated tooth looks like a new one with a healed state and in harmony with the dentition. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Root Canal Pain?

There is one common significant symptom that most of our patients complain about which is; “unbearable pain” from the affected tooth.

Although there are a lot of confirmatory symptoms of inflamed pulp (Pulpitis), this “unbearable” pain complaint is 95% treated by root canal treatment.inflamed pulp (Pulpitis) treated by root canal treatment

Other symptoms could be : 

  1. Severe persistent intense pain; most patients can’t determine its source or spot the tooth that causes the pain, as the pain radiates to the whole quadrant, and it may radiate to the opposing jaw.
  2. Pain causes headaches and radiates to the head, the ear, the cheekbones, and/or even to the lymph nodes beneath the lower jaw.
  3. Pain that is spontaneous or triggered by chewing or pressure.
  4. The Pain that doesn’t fade away without taking painkillers, but in severe inflamed cases, the pain won’t fade with painkillers.
  5. Cracked or fractured tooth.
  6. Pain related to teeth with deep pockets, swollen and tender gums, or pimples (bumps) indicates abscess.
  7. Severe sensitivity to hot and cold beverages.
  8. Discolored decayed tooth 
  9. Deep pocket leads to toothache 
  10. Persistent bad breath or bad taste 

How is a Root Canal treated?

The root canal treatment process it’s very challenging and tends to have multiple situations to handle according to the state of the tooth, the degree of tooth structure decayed, the degree of patient’s pain, and the degree of infection.
That makes the endodontic therapy duration and cost may change from one patient to another, we are here to discuss the root canal treatment procedure from the perspective of the diagnosis to the final steps.

What Is The Process Of Root Canal Treatment at Suave Clinics?

At Suave Clinics, we prioritize patient comfort and utilize modern technology to ensure a smooth and effective treatment, here is what we do in our clinic for a case with infected pulp.

1. Consultation and Diagnosis

Before on-hand treatment, our dental specialists conduct thorough a free examination, a percussion test, the cold and hot test, and a digital X-ray to assess the extent of the damage or infection.

These several tests are in the case of ambiguous pain and decayed teeth that can’t be spotted by inspection.

2. Local Anesthesia

Administration of local anesthesia to the affected tooth causes numbness and loss of pain, this step is also used as a test of anesthetizing the affected tooth not missing with another one.

3. Tooth Isolation
Isolation of the affected tooth from the surrounding mouth media is a must, in order to prevent any source of bacteria from entering inside the tooth to provide a sterile environment, and for protecting the patient from mistakenly swallowing any medications or small instruments used in root canal cleaning and disinfection.

4. Removing the Infected Pulp
Making a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. Our skilled endodontists use precision instruments to carefully remove the infected or dead pulp tissue, eliminating the source of pain and infection​.

5. Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
Once the pulp is removed, the canals are thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected through irrigation with various disinfectants such as Sodium hypochlorite (5% concentration or 2.5% concentration), Chlorhexidine 2%, and EDTA.
Shaping and filing the root canal by hand files and advanced rotary files to ensure better cleansing and removal of pulp tissue and organic debris.
Advanced rotary tools and irrigation solutions are used to ensure all bacteria are eradicated, minimizing the risk of future infection​

6. Filling and Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This step seals the space in the tooth core to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. A temporary or permanent filling is then placed to close the opening in the crown.

7. Placement of a Dental Crown
In most cases, a dental crown is necessary to restore the tooth’s strength and natural functionality for long-term protection of the tooth.

Why Choose Suave Clinics For Your Root Canal?

At Suave Clinics, our approach to root canal treatment combines expertise with patient-centered care. We use our systematic diagnosis, and modern dental instruments and prioritize infection control, ensuring the best outcomes. 

Since We care about using high-quality dental material that lowers any chance of further complications; we use the best sealing material in the world which is bioceramic sealing agents that ensure the sealing of root canal irregularities, and its perfect flow and antibacterial effect that helps get rid of any remaining traces of bacteria and provide a gap-free seal.

Using the bioceramic gutta-percha points combined with BC sealant provides high quality, high strength, antibacterial, and non-resorbable root canal filling.

This system proves to be perfect with the Nickle-Titanuim Rotary instrument filing system, and this care of high-quality precious material is what Distinguishes us at Sauve Clinic.

Our professional dental team guides you through every step, relieving your pain and making your endodontic treatment an easy and comfortable experience. Also, we provide a Free additional service, To guarantee our patients a smooth treatment journey, which includes:

  • Local Anesthesia
  • Free Panoramic X-Ray
  • Private Language Assistant
  • Transportation Airport-Hotel-Clinic-Airport
Get A Free Dental Consultation
Get A Personalized Treatment Plan and Quotation

How Long Does It Take To Repair A Root Canal?

As we said earlier, Root Canal Treatment duration depends on the complexity of the case, the state of pain, the degree of infection, the degree of the decayed tooth structure, and the number of tooth roots.

A Sauve Clinic Root canal treatment ranges from one to two appointments, each appointment may last for 60-90 minutes. Some patients prefer shorter sessions like 20-30 minutes long, which may increase the number of visits according to the patient’s comfort and preference.

Single-visit treatment 

For cases of 

  • Single-rooted teeth are like teeth with one root as Anterior teeth.
  • Non-infected teeth; there are no dental abscesses or pus.
  • Mild tooth structure damage that could be handled only by restorative material and further dental crown capping.

Multiple-visit treatment 

For cases of 

  • Multiple canals and multiple rooted teeth as most of the detentions molars and premolars (back teeth)
  • There is a spread of infection beyond the root canal such as the presence of an abscess, cyst, or fistula, in this case, multiple visits are required to ensure the cleaning and removal of the source focal areas of infection.
  • Badly destructed tooth structure that requires dental post and core, building up the tooth crown for a viable extent that allows receiving of the dental crown capping.
  • Patients suffer from breathing problems, jaw issues, back pain, hypertension, and many other medically compromised patients that can’t withstand long treatment sessions.

Possible Complications and Side Effects After Root Canal Treatment

Although Root Canal Treatment is generally safe and effective, There are some drawbacks that can be noticed either immediately or complications over time such as the following

1. Post-treatment pain or sensitivity
It’s common experience to feel that post-treatment sensitivity, and it doesn’t mean endodontic therapy failure at all. This pain and sensitivity is the body’s reaction towards what happened in the tooth with all the dental pulp removal cleansing and shaping by the instruments.
This pain should subside shortly without any intervention, or with OTC painkillers, it may last for 7-14 days after Root Canal Treatment.

2. Allergy and sensitivity of medications used in Root Canal Treatment
Some patients have allergic reactions from the material used during root canal treatment as rubber dam placement, irrigation solutions, and sealants used to seal any voids in the root canal, Although all the materials used in endodontic therapy are biocompatible, there are always allergies percentage should be taken into account.

3. Reinfection of the Tooth
There are rare possibilities of reinfection or persistent of an existed infections; due to several reasons:

  • Undetected or uncleaned canals
  • A poorly sealed crown or filling, allows bacteria to re-enter
  • Cracks or fractures in the tooth.

4. Tooth weakening and fracture
That’s also the most common complication, as the tooth after removal of the pulp tissue loses its source of nutrition and hydration, and after removal of all the decayed areas becomes prone to fracture
That’s why a protective capping by Dental crown of the endodontically treated tooth is a must to overcome this complication and to protect the tooth from further fracture.

5. Instrument Breakage
During the procedure, the endodontist uses fine instruments to clean and shape the root canals. In rare cases, these instruments may break and become lodged in the canal. If this occurs, the fragment may need to be removed or bypassed to ensure proper cleaning​

6. Incomplete Canal Cleaning

Some teeth have complex root structures, making it difficult to clean and seal all the canals completely. If any infected tissue remains, it can lead to ongoing pain and the need for retreatment.

When To See Your Dentist?

If you experience severe pain that doesn’t fade with OTC painkillers, swelling that worsens, or any signs of infection, such as fever or pus discharge, it is essential to contact your dentist immediately and undergo root canal retreatment.
At Suave Clinics, our endodontists are specialized to handle any complications and ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Who Is Responsible For A Failed Root Canal?

In rare cases complications may lead to Root Canal failure, there may be different factors some are related to the patient and tooth structure, and others are related to the dentist. 

Dentist-Related Factors

  • Incomplete Cleaning or Sealing: If the root canals are not thoroughly cleaned or adequately sealed, bacteria can linger, causing reinfection. It is crucial to choose a skilled and experienced endodontist to minimize these risks.
  • Missed Canals: Some teeth, especially molars, have multiple or root canals. If any canal is overlooked during treatment, the infection may persist or return​

Patient-Related Factors

  • Delayed or Inadequate Follow-Up Care: A patient’s commitment to treatment sessions, and proper aftercare is essential for the long-term success of a root canal. Neglecting oral hygiene or missing follow-up appointments can lead to complications.
  • Underlying Health Conditions: Systemic health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can impair healing and increase the risk of infection​

Issues with tooth structure 

  • Cracks and Fractures: A tooth may have hidden cracks or fractures that worsen after treatment, making it difficult to save the tooth even with a well-executed root canal.
  • Pre-existing Bone Loss: Advanced periodontal disease or bone loss around the affected tooth may compromise the treatment result.

What Is The Success Rate Of Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal therapy is a highly successful dental procedure, with success rates ranging from 85% to 97%, depending on the tooth’s condition, the experience of the dentist, the quality of the material and instrument used in treatment, and the commitment and compliance of the patient.

Root Canal Treatment AfterCare

Post-treatment care and recovery are similar to post-treatment care of any dental procedure as there are some things you should and should not do to preserve the success of the root canal treatment; immediate aftercare and daily routine aftercare.

Immediate Root Canal Treatment Aftercare:

  • Your mouth will remain numb for a few hours after the procedure due to the local anesthesia. 
  • Avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off to prevent accidental injury.
  • You could take OTC (over-the-counter) painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen that could relieve the mild pain for a couple of days.
  • Stick to a soft diet for 24-48 hours after the procedure and avoid hard crunchy sticky food.

Daily Routine Care

  • Continue Brushing and Flossing
  • Rinse with mouthwash or warm Salt Water to reduce swelling and promote healing

Follow-Up Appointments

It is crucial to attend your follow-up appointment so the dentist can place a permanent restoration, such as a crown, to protect your tooth.


Don’t Delay this step for protection of the tooth and endodontic therapy!

Root Canal Treatment Costs in Istanbul

The cost of root canal treatment in Istanbul generally ranges between $130 to $200 per tooth, depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure and the type of tooth being treated (front tooth vs. molar). This is significantly lower compared to costs in the USA, which can range from $700 to $1,800, or the UK, where prices start from £350. We at Sauve Clinic offer high-quality care and the best material in the world at a fraction of the USA or the UK cost.

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Get A Personalized Treatment Plan and Quotation

When Is A Tooth Not Suitable For A Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is an effective method to save teeth with infected or damaged pulp, but there are situations when a tooth may not be suitable for this procedure: 

  • Extensive Decay or Structural Damage
    If a tooth is severely decayed or has extensive damage that extends below the gum line, it may not be restorable. In these cases, extracting the tooth and considering alternatives like dental implants may be necessary​.
  •  Severe Bone Loss
    If the surrounding bone cannot support the tooth and there are deep pockets there will be a percentage of failure and poor root canal treatment prognosis even after a successful root canal. As the tooth in this case is not restorable.
  •  Cracked Tooth Syndrome
    Minor cracks can sometimes be treated, although deep or extensive fractures may make it impossible to save the tooth from extraction.
  • Unreachable Canals
    The tooth may have an unusual root canal anatomy with canals that are too narrow, curved, or inaccessible for thorough cleaning and sealing. In these situations, endodontic specialists may tend to surgical solutions such as apicoectomy or even tooth structure.

Root Canal Treatment FAQs

Why Do I Feel Bad After A Root Canal?
  • Some patients may feel fatigue, general discomfort, or mild flu-like symptoms for a day or two after the procedure. This can be a normal response to the anesthesia, the chemical agents used in the root canal cleaning and disinfection, and the body’s effort to heal.
    However, if you experience severe pain, fever, or signs of infection, you should see your dentist.
How Many Days Should You Rest After A Root Canal?
  • It usually takes 24-48 hours to rest after the dental procedure, and almost about 7-14 days to regain the normal functionality of the treated tooth, and to recover from any post-treatment pain and sensitivity.
How Long After A Root Canal Can I Eat?
  • You should wait until the numbness from the local anesthesia completely wears off before eating, usually within 1-2 hours.
Can I Brush My Teeth After A Root Canal?
  • Yes, you should continue to brush and floss your teeth, but do so gently around the treated area. Good oral hygiene is essential for preventing future infections.
Is There An Alternative To Root Canal Treatment
  • There are alternatives that may be considered in specific situations where Root Canal Treatment is not a perfect solution, optimal dentist’s diagnosis may lean towards tooth extraction, apicectomy, or pulp capping when there will be more complications from RCT.
Is It Painful To Have A Root Canal?
  • Root canal treatment is no more painful than getting a cavity filled, with the use of local anesthesia and medications making the filing, cleansing, and shaping more manageable and tolerable.
Do Root Canals Last A Lifetime?
  • Root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care, but they are still susceptible to decay or damage if not capped and well covered by dental crowns.

Can Infection Go Away Without A Root Canal?
  • No, the infection inside the tooth will not go away without proper treatment. Antibiotics might temporarily reduce symptoms, but they do not remove the source of the infection, which is the damaged or necrotic pulp. Without Root Canal treatment, the infection can spread to other areas, leading to abscesses and serious complications​
Can I Delay A Root Canal with Antibiotics?
  • Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to manage severe infection and inflammation temporarily, but they do not cure the underlying issue within the tooth. Delaying root canal treatment can lead to worsening symptoms and may increase the risk of complications, such as abscess formation or the spread of infection to surrounding tissues​. However, The most important thing that you should know about Antibiotics is that their drawbacks are more than their benefits.
How Can I Avoid A Root Canal?
  • Some causes of root canal treatment, like trauma or deep cracks, may not be preventable, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can significantly lower your risk.