Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) saves teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to deep decay, crack, or abscess. The procedure removes the inflamed or infected pulp (nerve and blood vessels) from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the root canals, and seals them with biocompatible material to prevent re-infection. At WeCare Dental Clinic in Antalya, every root canal is performed under a high-magnification dental microscope by endodontists certified by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE).
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
Common signs:
Root canal is the alternative to extraction. Once the nerve is dead or infected, you have two options: save the tooth with root canal + crown, or extract and replace with implant. Root canal preserves your natural tooth structure, which is always preferable when possible.
Why "Modern" Root Canal is Different
Old-school root canals had a reputation for being painful and unpredictable. Modern endodontics has changed this completely:
The dental microscope is the biggest game-changer — it lets the endodontist see canals as small as 0.05 mm in diameter and accessory branches that are invisible to the naked eye. Missed canals are the #1 cause of root canal failure, and microscope use eliminates this risk.
The Single-Visit Root Canal Process
Most cases are completed in a single 90-120 minute appointment.
Step 1: Diagnosis (15 min)
Clinical exam, percussion test, cold test, and digital X-ray. Sometimes CBCT 3D imaging if the case is complex (curved roots, calcified canals, prior failed treatment).
Step 2: Local Anesthesia (5 min)
Articaine or lidocaine injection. Modern anesthesia is highly effective — even teeth with active inflammation become fully numb. Sedation (oral or IV) is available for very anxious patients.
Step 3: Access Opening (10 min)
A small opening is made through the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Done with a high-speed drill while you're numb.
Step 4: Microscope-Guided Cleaning (30-60 min)
Under 16-25x magnification, the endodontist uses Reciproc Blue rotary files to:
Step 5: Obturation (15 min)
The cleaned canals are filled with BioRoot Flow (calcium-silicate biological cement) and gutta-percha cones. This seals the canal completely against re-infection.
Step 6: Temporary Filling (5 min)
The access opening is sealed with a temporary filling. You go home.
Step 7: Crown (separate visit, 2-3 days)
Within 1-3 weeks, a permanent crown (zirconia or e.max) is placed over the root-canal-treated tooth. This is critical — root-canaled teeth are more brittle and need crown protection to prevent fracture.
What is Included in the Root Canal Package?
The crown (separate from the root canal) is required to protect the tooth and is priced separately or in a combined package.
Special Cases We Handle
Re-treatment of Failed Root Canals
If a root canal performed elsewhere has failed (re-infection, missed canal, persistent pain), we can re-treat the tooth. This involves:
Calcified Canals
Some canals are blocked by mineral deposits and can't be navigated with rotary files. WeCare uses ultrasonic instruments under the microscope to gently negotiate calcified canals. CBCT imaging guides the path. About 90% of calcified canals can be successfully treated.
Curved Roots
Severely curved roots (common in molars and premolars) require flexible nickel-titanium rotary files and careful technique. Our endodontists are trained in advanced curved-root protocols.
Apicoectomy (Surgical Endodontics)
When a regular root canal can't reach the apex (root tip) of a tooth — usually due to complex anatomy or post crown — we perform an apicoectomy. This is a minor surgery to access the root tip from the gum side, remove the infection, and seal it. WeCare performs apicoectomies under microscope with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) sealing. 75-85% success rate.
Why WeCare for Root Canals?
WhatsApp +90 551 086 83 68 with your panoramic X-ray for a free assessment within 24 hours.
