Endodontics and Restorative Dental Treatment
Restorative and Endodontic Treatments: Integrated Solutions to Maintain Dental Health
Restorative dental treatment and endodontics are two branches of dentistry that complement each other to keep teeth healthy and functional. Restorative treatment deals with the reconstruction and aesthetic restoration of decayed or damaged teeth, while endodontics focuses on treating infection and damage to the internal structure of the tooth (pulp). These two fields work together to protect and strengthen teeth and ensure that you can use your natural teeth for a long time.
Restorative Treatment
Restorative treatment aims to rebuild the tooth structure to meet the aesthetic and functional needs of the teeth. It is used to remove caries, fractures and damage to the tooth structure. Composite fillings, porcelain inlay-on-lay fillings, dental veneers and laminated restorations are the most common applications of restorative treatment. Thanks to these treatment options, both the appearance and functionality of the tooth are restored.
Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal Treatment)
Endodontics is the treatment of infection or inflammation of the pulp tissue (nerves and blood vessels) in the innermost layer of the tooth. This infection in the inner part of the tooth can lead to severe pain and inflammation. In endodontic treatment, the pulp canals of the tooth are cleaned, shaped and disinfected, then the cavities are filled with filling material. This way, the tooth can continue to function in a healthy way, preserving its natural structure.
Integration of Restorative and Endodontics
Restorative and endodontic treatments are often intertwined. Especially if large cavities or fractures have reached the pulp tissue of the tooth, after the inner part of the tooth is treated with root canal treatment, the outer part of the tooth is reconstructed with restorative methods. Often, the remaining structure of the tooth may be weakened after root canal treatment; in this case, the tooth is strengthened with restorative solutions such as porcelain crowns.
This integration allows teeth to be saved and remain functional for a long time. It is often faster, more economical and natural to restore the existing tooth, rather than extracting the tooth completely and replacing it with an implant. From both an aesthetic and oral health perspective, the combination of restorative and endodontic treatments is the most effective way to prevent tooth loss and preserve existing teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Normally, the enamel layer protects the teeth from external influences such as hot, cold, sour and sweet. However, if enamel loss occurs due to erosion, abrasion or decay, the sensitive dentin layer is exposed. Dentin contains canaliculi that transmit stimuli, resulting in sensitivity.
Treatments are performed under anesthesia and are not painful procedures.
It may be. During the filling process, the nerves in the tooth may be temporarily affected, which may cause sensitivity. Hot and cold sensitivity may be normal for a while after filling. This sensitivity usually decreases within a few days or weeks.
However, if the sensitivity persists for a long time or is severe, there may be a problem with the filling (for example, a high filling, a crack or an infection). In such a case, it is important to talk to your dentist.
Caries formation is not expected in the filled tooth, but as time passes, caries formation can be observed by leaking from the edges of the fillings.
If the fillings are broken, cracked, blackened or spaced, or if decay is detected under the filling, they should be replaced.
Root canal treatment is usually completed in 1 or 2 sessions. However, if there is an acute infection in the tooth and systemic symptoms are observed, disinfectant medication may be placed in the root canals for a longer period of time. In these cases, the treatment may take up to 3-4 sessions.
Root canal treatment is a treatment that requires patience and care. The physician applies anesthesia when necessary to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure. In this way, the treatment is completed without the patient feeling pain.
Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment lose their vitality and as time passes, their resistance to forces decreases and they may break. Covering these teeth or applying onlay-style procedures allows you to use your tooth for a longer period of time.