The aim of endodontic treatment is to clean and shape all root canals and fill the prepared root cavity in a three-dimensional sealed manner in order to restore the function of a tooth that has lost its vitality due to physical, chemical or mechanical reasons. In order to understand endodontic treatment, it is necessary to have some knowledge about the anatomy of the tooth. The outermost layer of the tooth is called enamel, the hard layer below it is called dentin and the innermost soft layer is called pulp.

The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. When the pulp of the tooth is infected, the treatment is root canal treatment. In case of general damage to the soft tooth layer; in the past, teeth were extracted. However, with the root canal treatment applied to the teeth in today’s technology, tooth extraction is no longer the only solution.

You will know that you need root canal treatment in the following cases:

• Long-term sensitivity to hot and cold
• Tooth discoloration
• Pain while chewing or inability to chew comfortably
• Self-onset pain, especially at night

All dentists learn the basic principles and practice of root canal treatment. However, general dentists usually refer their patients to an endodontist who specializes in root canal treatment. Endodontists’ treatment interventions are completely limited to root canal treatment and cases related to this treatment. During root canal treatment, many new methods and instruments are now used with the developing technology. Especially rotary instrument systems and devices called apex locators are used to clean the infected root canal. In this way, root canals can be cleaned more effectively. Digital radrography systems are used during root canal treatment, which reduces the radiation dose received by patients by 70%.