Assist.Prof. Dr. Dilan Kırmızı from Near East University Faculty of Dentistry says that considering root canal treatment first in case of pain and infection protects both the tooth and overall health.

Summer’s energy and joy bring lots of smiles. However, hot weather, holidays, and changing eating habits can negatively affect our dental health. Healthy teeth are not just about a beautiful smile, they are also an important part of our overall body health. Thus, paying more attention to oral care during the summer months and not neglecting regular dental check-ups is of great importance.

Untreated cavities and infections, in particular, can lead not only to tooth loss but also to serious consequences ranging from systemic disorders affecting the immune system. Assist. Prof. Dr. Dilan Kırmızı, a faculty member of the Department of Endodontics of Near East University Faculty of Dentistry, shared information about endodontic treatment, commonly known as “root canal treatment.”

Assistan. Prof. Dr. Kırmızı stated that tooth loss can lead to many negative consequences such as chewing difficulties, digestive problems, and jawbone loss, and therefore, root canal treatment plays a critical role in maintaining functional oral health. She also noted that in some cases, pain or infection may recur in the tooth after treatment, and in such a situation, instead of extracting the tooth, “re-root canal treatment” can be applied. She emphasized that this protects the tooth and oral health, and also prevents more serious health problems.

Mostly, local anesthesia is not even needed, the procedures are painless…

Providing information about the repeated root canal treatment process, Assist. Prof. Dr. Dilan Kırmızı stated that the procedure is generally painless, saying, “Most of the time, even local anesthesia is not needed. However, sometimes, rarely, pain may occur due to increased pressure caused by infection, and in such a case local anesthesia may be applied.” She added that root canal treatment should be carefully assessed by a specialist physician. Assist. Prof. Dr. Kırmızı said, “Before starting treatment, cooperation with the patient is essential. Then, in the first stage, the old filling is removed, the root canals are cleaned and disinfected. These procedures usually cannot be completed in a single session and may take several sessions depending on the infection.”

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kırmızı said that a temporary filling is applied to the tooth after treatment, therefore, excessive and forceful chewing movements should be avoided. She added that patients can use their teeth more comfortably after a permanent filling is placed. Assist. Prof. Dr. Kırmızı also noted that in some cases, material loss may occur in molars after root canal treatment, which can lead to fractures. To prevent this, she suggested applying a prosthetic crown, thus protecting the weakened tooth tissue and eliminating the risk of fracture.

Regular follow-up after treatment is important!

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kırmızı emphasized that the success of the treatment depends on the procedure being performed correctly by a specialist and the healing of the infection in the tooth. Dilan Kırmızı stated, “The follow-up process after treatment is extremely important for achieving lasting and accurate results. The process should be regularly monitored for at least six months to a year. If, at the end of two years, the patient does not experience any complaints and no problems are detected in the radiographic images of the tooth, the treatment is considered successful.”