Root canal treatment saves a tooth whose inner pulp has become infected or inflamed, usually from deep decay, a crack or trauma. It has an unfair reputation for pain; with modern anaesthesia it typically feels similar to having a filling. For visitors to Turkey, root canals often come up in two situations: as part of fixing a painful tooth, and as a consequence of crowns placed on heavily prepared teeth.
When is a root canal needed?
- Persistent toothache, especially at night or with hot drinks
- Lingering sensitivity after hot or cold
- Swelling or a gum boil near a tooth
- A dark, discoloured tooth after trauma
- Infection visible on an X-ray
The procedure
- Local anaesthesia and isolation of the tooth (ideally with a rubber dam).
- Opening the tooth and removing the infected pulp.
- Cleaning and shaping the canals with fine instruments, often rotary files.
- Disinfection and filling of the canals.
- Temporary or permanent filling; usually a crown later for back teeth.
Simple cases can be done in one visit; infected or complex teeth may need two or three. Endodontists (root canal specialists) often use dental microscopes, which help find and treat all canals.
Cost in Turkey
Root canal treatment typically costs about €100–€300 per tooth depending on the number of canals and whether a specialist treats it. A crown afterwards is usually priced separately. See zirconia crowns.
Root canals and smile makeovers
When healthy teeth are cut down heavily for crowns, the nerve can be irritated or exposed, and some clinics then perform root canals routinely. A root-canal-treated tooth can last many years, but avoiding unnecessary root canals in the first place is better. Ask whether crowns are really needed and how much tooth will be removed. See Hollywood smile risks.
After treatment
- Mild tenderness for a few days is normal.
- Avoid chewing hard food on the tooth until it is properly restored.
- Back teeth usually need a crown to prevent fracture.
- Persistent pain or swelling should be checked.
Frequently asked questions
Is a root canal better than an extraction?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually preferable when it can be restored predictably. An implant is the alternative if the tooth can’t be saved.
How successful are root canals?
Success rates are generally high when the treatment is done well and the tooth is properly restored.
Can I fly after a root canal?
Yes, usually the next day; ask your dentist if there was significant infection.
This article is general information, not dental advice. See our medical disclaimer.