Renewal of a previously failed root canal treatment. Existing filling is removed, canals are re-cleaned, disinfected and refilled. Success rate is 70–85%.

Is root canal treatment better than extraction?

Yes. A natural tooth is always the best option. A tooth preserved with root canal treatment offers superior results compared to artificial solutions like implants.

Root Canal Treatment Ankara – Endodontics, Retreatment, Apical Resection

Q: Is root canal treatment painful?

Performed under local anaesthesia, no pain is felt throughout the procedure. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is normal and controlled with painkillers.

Q: How many sessions does root canal treatment take?

Most cases are completed in 1–2 sessions, each lasting 45–90 minutes. Can extend to 3 sessions in complex cases.

Q: How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?

With successful treatment and appropriate crown restoration, the tooth can remain in the mouth for a lifetime. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are required.

Q: What is non-vital bleaching?

A special method in which root canal-treated teeth are whitened from the inside. Used for post-canal colour changes in front teeth; tooth structure is preserved.

Q: Why is a crown recommended after root canal treatment?

After pulp removal, tooth brittleness increases. A crown distributes the load and protects the tooth. Strongly recommended for posterior teeth.

Q: When is apical resection necessary?

Applied in the presence of root tip infection or cyst that cannot be resolved with root canal treatment or retreatment. Infected tissue at the root tip is removed under local anaesthesia.

Q: What is a rubber dam?

A barrier isolating the tooth from saliva during root canal treatment. Provides a sterile working environment and is mandatory at modern international standards.

Q: What should I do if pain persists after root canal treatment?

Pain lasting more than 2–3 days or worsening, swelling or fever are abnormal. Retreatment or apical resection may be required; consult a dentist immediately.

Ankara İncek · Endodontics

Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)

The most reliable way to save your tooth without extraction. Root canal treatment, retreatment, apical resection and non-vital bleaching.

95%+Root canal treatment success rate

1–2Sessions to complete

0Pain (with local anaesthesia)

∞Years tooth can remain in mouth

Root canal treatment is the most effective endodontic treatment method that eliminates infection and allows the tooth to continue functioning for many years without the need for extraction. Many people perceive root canal treatment as a painful and difficult procedure; yet thanks to modern endodontic technologies and local anaesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. As Sevgi Savaş Dental Clinic in Ankara İncek, we apply all endodontic treatments including root canal treatment, retreatment, apical resection and non-vital bleaching with up-to-date methods.

🦷What Is Endodontics? ⚠️When Is It Needed? ①How Is It Done? 🔄Retreatment ⚕️Apical Resection ✦Non-Vital Bleaching 🛡️Post-Treatment ◈Canal + Crown

What Is Endodontics? Why Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

Endodontics is the dental specialty concerned with the disease and treatment of the pulp tissue — the innermost layer of the tooth — and the surrounding tissues. The pulp comprises soft tissue consisting of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, and is located within canals extending to the root tip of the tooth.

Bacteria reach the pulp as a result of deep decay, tooth fracture or repeated dental procedures. If left untreated, this can lead to severe pain, abscess and bone loss. Root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is the procedure of removing the infected or damaged pulp, disinfecting the canals and filling them with a biocompatible material. The aim is always the same: to preserve the tooth without extraction.

Consequences of Pulp Infection (If Left Untreated) Abscess and pus accumulation at the root tip · Destruction of the jawbone · Spread of infection to neighboring teeth · Systemic infection risk (rare but serious) · Tooth loss and need for implant

Key Advantages of Root Canal Treatment Natural tooth is preserved, extraction is prevented · Infection and pain are completely eliminated · Neighboring teeth are not damaged · Tooth remains in the mouth for many years · Implant cost is avoided

Symptoms Indicating Root Canal Treatment

The following symptoms indicate that the pulp may be infected or damaged. If one or more of these symptoms are present, it is important to consult a dentist without delay. The earlier the treatment is performed, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.

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Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold

Pain that continues even after the hot or cold contact is removed is a sign of pulp inflammation.

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Spontaneous throbbing pain

Severe pain that starts spontaneously without a trigger may indicate pulp necrosis.

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Swelling or abscess on the gum

Pus accumulated at the root tip manifests itself as swelling and pain in the gum.

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Darkening or colour change of the tooth

Teeth that have lost their vitality gradually take on a grey or blackish colour over time.

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Pain when biting and chewing

Inflammation at the root tip can cause pain when pressure is applied to the tooth.

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Incidental detection with no symptoms

Chronic infections sometimes progress without pain and are detected on routine X-ray.

There May Be No SymptomsIn teeth where the pulp has completely died, pain may not be felt as nerve transmission no longer exists. In these teeth, infection can progress silently, causing bone loss and abscess formation. For this reason, regular dental check-ups are of vital importance even in the absence of pain.

How Is Root Canal Treatment Performed?

Modern root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthesia, completely painlessly. Most patients state that the treatment is much more comfortable than expected. The procedure is generally completed in 1–2 sessions; each session takes an average of 45–90 minutes.

Diagnosis and Radiological Assessment

The anatomy of the canals, extent of infection and surrounding bone condition are evaluated with a periapical X-ray (CBCT when necessary). Correct diagnosis is the foundation of successful treatment.

Local Anaesthesia and Rubber Dam Isolation

The area is numbed with local anaesthesia. The tooth is isolated from saliva with a rubber dam, creating a sterile and dry working area. This step is critical for infection control.

Access Cavity and Pulp Removal

Access to the pulp tissue is gained through an access cavity opened at the top of the tooth; the infected or dead pulp tissue is completely removed.

Canal Shaping (Rotary / Hand Instruments)

The canals are shaped and widened throughout their length with special rotary nickel-titanium instruments. These instruments adapt to the canal anatomy and perform the procedure without risk of fracture.

Disinfection (Sodium Hypochlorite and EDTA)

The canals are comprehensively irrigated with antibacterial solutions (sodium hypochlorite, EDTA) to remove bacteria and tissue debris. Effectiveness can be increased with ultrasonic activation.

Canal Filling (Obturation with Gutta-Percha)

The canals are filled three-dimensionally with gutta-percha and sealer (obturation). At this stage, the canals are completely sealed to prevent renewed bacterial entry.

Coronal Restoration

After the procedure is completed, a temporary or permanent filling is placed. For long-term protection of root canal-treated teeth, a crown (restoration) is usually recommended.

Retreatment of Previous Root Canal Treatment

A tooth that has previously had root canal treatment may become re-infected in certain circumstances. This can occur due to inadequate initial treatment, new decay formation, leakage from the filling or crown, or undetected canal anatomy.

Retreatment is the procedure of removing the existing canal filling, reshaping and re-disinfecting the canals and placing new filling. Signs indicating root canal treatment failure include: pain continuing after treatment, swelling on the gum, root tip lesion seen on X-ray and presence of abscess.

Who Is Retreatment Applied To?

Patients whose pain has not resolved after root canal treatment, who have developed a new abscess, who show a root tip lesion on X-ray, or whose previous filling is found to be inadequate.

Retreatment Success Rate

With correct indication and experienced application, the retreatment success rate is around 70–85%. Effectiveness close to the initial root canal treatment is achieved.

Retreatment or Apical Resection?

Retreatment is usually attempted first; if it fails, apical resection (surgery) is planned. The decision is made based on lesion size and anatomy.

Retreatment in Ankara İncek

At our clinic, renewal of failed root canal treatments performed at other centres is applied with great care and precision.

Apical Resection (Root-End Surgery)

This is a surgical endodontic method used as a last resort in the presence of a chronic cyst or persistent infection at the root tip that cannot be resolved with root canal treatment or retreatment. It is also known as apicoectomy or root-end resection.

How Is It Applied? The relevant area is accessed under local anaesthesia · The infected tissue at the root tip and a small portion of the root tip are removed · A retrograde filling is placed at the root tip · The area is closed; the healing process begins · The operation takes an average of 30–60 minutes

In Which Cases Is It Applied? When root canal treatment or retreatment has failed · If there is a cyst or persistent lesion at the root tip · If there is infection in a part of the canal unreachable due to anatomical obstruction · In complications such as a broken canal instrument

Apical resection, with appropriate indications, is the last endodontic option that preserves the tooth without extraction, with high success rates. Mild swelling and sensitivity for 1–2 days after the procedure is normal.

Apical Resection Is Not Suitable for Every CaseThis procedure may not be applicable in cases where jaw anatomy is not suitable, the root is too short, or certain systemic diseases exist. Suitability is determined by clinical and radiological assessment.

Non-Vital Bleaching – Tooth Whitening After Root Canal Treatment

Front teeth that have had root canal treatment can develop a grey, yellow or brownish colour over time. This occurs because blood pigments and the canal filling materials used penetrate the inner surface of the tooth following the removal of the pulp. It creates a noticeable aesthetic concern, particularly in the front tooth region.

Non-vital bleaching is a method applied specifically to root canal-treated teeth in which the tooth is whitened from the inside. Unlike classic external whitening; the whitening agent is placed directly into the pulp chamber.

Application Process The previous canal filling is protected with a temporary seal · A special whitening agent (sodium perborate or carbamide peroxide) is placed inside the tooth · Mouth is closed and 3–7 days are awaited · The procedure is repeated several times if necessary · When the target shade is reached, a permanent filling is placed

Advantages Effective for discolorations where external whitening yields no results · Tooth structure is preserved; restoration may not be needed · Colour harmony with natural teeth is achieved · A fast and comfortable method · Particularly preferred for patients who have lost front tooth aesthetics

This method, which is rarely addressed as a separate section at competing clinic sites, is offered at our clinic as the aesthetic complement to root canal treatment.

What to Watch Out for After Root Canal Treatment

After root canal treatment is completed, mild sensitivity and pain may be experienced for a few days. This is completely normal and is controlled with prescribed painkillers. Paying attention to the following points speeds up the healing process and preserves the long-term success of the treatment.

First 24–48 Hours	First 1 Week	Long Term
Avoid hard foods and foods requiring chewing	Avoid chewing excessively on the treated side	At least 2 dental check-ups per year
Take prescribed antibiotics/painkillers	Continue regular brushing and flossing	Crown recommended for fractured, long-term resistant teeth
Avoid smoking	Contact us immediately if swelling increases	Book an appointment for any recurrence of pain or swelling

Why Is a Crown Recommended for Root Canal-Treated Teeth?With the removal of the pulp, the brittleness of the tooth increases; the tooth can fracture under the forces of food chewing. A crown (restoration) protects the tooth under this load and significantly extends its service life in the long term. Especially for posterior teeth (premolars and molars), a crown is strongly recommended.

Crown Application After Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment eliminates the infection in the tooth; however it does not complete its structural protection. Coronal restoration is essential for long-term success. The most common and reliable option is a crown application.

Situation	Recommended Restoration	Description
Front tooth, minimal tissue loss	Composite filling or veneer	Aesthetics-focused, protection may be sufficient
Front tooth, colour change	Non-vital bleaching + composite / E.Max crown	Whitening first, filling if sufficient
Back tooth (premolar)	Zirconia or E.Max crown	Crown mandatory due to chewing load
Back tooth (molar)	Zirconia crown	Maximum protection, crown strongly recommended
Very little tooth tissue remaining	Post-core + zirconia crown	Substructure reinforcement may be required

Dr. Sevgi Savaş Akbaş

Dentist · Endodontics · Retreatment · Ankara İncek

Dr. Sevgi Savaş Akbaş applies all endodontic treatments at her Ankara İncek clinic — including root canal treatment, retreatment, apical resection and non-vital bleaching — with modern equipment and up-to-date protocols. Each case is managed to the highest success standard with rubber dam isolation, rotary system use and CBCT-supported diagnosis. She also has experience in retreatment of root canal treatments that have failed at other centres.

Root Canal Treatment – Frequently Asked Questions

Is root canal treatment painful?

Modern root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthesia and no pain is felt throughout the procedure. Mild sensitivity may be experienced for a few days after the anaesthesia wears off; this is easily controlled with prescribed painkillers. Many patients state that the treatment is no different from a normal tooth filling.

How many sessions does root canal treatment take to complete?

Treatment for most cases is completed in 1–2 sessions; each session takes an average of 45–90 minutes. It may extend to 3 sessions in situations such as active abscess, teeth with many canals or complex canal anatomies. In the first session the canals are cleaned and a temporary filling is placed; in the follow-up session the healing is assessed and a permanent filling is placed.

How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?

With successful root canal treatment and appropriate coronal restoration (usually a crown), the tooth can remain in the mouth for a lifetime. Exceptionally long service life is expected with regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene and if a crown has been applied. The permanence of the treatment is directly linked to the quality of the permanent filling or crown and the patient's care.

What is the difference between retreatment and root canal treatment?

Retreatment is the renewal of a previously performed and failed root canal treatment. The existing filling is removed, the canals are re-cleaned, disinfected and refilled. Although the success rate is slightly lower than the initial treatment (70–85%), it allows the tooth to be saved in many cases.

What is non-vital bleaching and which teeth is it applied to?

Non-vital bleaching is a special application in which the colour of root canal-treated teeth is whitened from the inside. It is used on front teeth that have darkened after root canal treatment, where external whitening is ineffective. The whitening agent is placed in the pulp chamber and the desired shade is achieved over a few sessions. Tooth structure is preserved and restoration is usually not required.

Why is a crown recommended after root canal treatment?

After the pulp is removed, the tooth loses its blood and nutrient supply; its brittleness therefore increases. It can crack or fracture under daily chewing forces. A crown distributes this load, protecting the tooth. A crown is strongly recommended for posterior teeth; for front teeth, composite filling may be sufficient depending on the amount of remaining tooth tissue.

What is apical resection and when is it necessary?

Apical resection (root-end surgery) is a surgical method applied in the presence of root tip infection or cyst that cannot be resolved with root canal treatment or retreatment. The infected tissue at the root tip is removed under local anaesthesia and a retrograde filling is placed. With appropriate indications, the tooth is preserved without extraction at high success rates.

What should I do if pain persists after root canal treatment?

Pain lasting longer than 2–3 days after treatment or that intensifies, the formation of new swelling or symptoms such as fever are considered abnormal and a dentist should be consulted without delay. This may indicate a complication requiring retreatment or apical resection. Early intervention increases the chance of saving the tooth.

What is a rubber dam and why is it used?

A rubber dam is a special barrier that isolates the relevant tooth from inside the mouth during root canal treatment. It prevents saliva and bacteria from entering the canal; it eliminates the risk of disinfection solutions being swallowed; it provides a drier and more sterile working environment. Rubber dam use in modern endodontics is an indicator of treatment at international standards.

Is root canal treatment a better option than extraction?

Generally yes. A natural tooth is superior to any artificial solution including an implant. When root canal treatment is successfully completed, the tooth continues to function, preserves the jawbone and does not harm neighboring teeth. Considering the cost of an implant or bridge as well, root canal treatment is the wisest option for preserving the tooth whenever possible.

Is root canal treatment risky?

Root canal treatment performed with modern techniques is an extremely safe procedure. Rare complications include instrument fracture, canal perforation or re-infection due to inadequate sterilization. Experienced application, rubber dam use and correct radiological planning minimize these risks.

Why Sevgi Savaş Dental Clinic in Ankara İncek for root canal treatment?

At our clinic, root canal treatments are performed with rubber dam isolation, rotary nickel-titanium instrument systems and CBCT-supported diagnosis when necessary. Special applications such as retreatment renewal of failed treatments performed at other centres, apical resection and non-vital bleaching are also offered. Preserving the patient's tooth is our primary goal in every case.

Let Us Save Your Tooth Without Extraction

If you are experiencing tooth pain, swelling or colour change, book an assessment appointment without delay. Let us take the right step together to protect your tooth.

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Root Canal Treatment – Endodontics