Root canal treatment is the removal of infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside a tooth, followed by cleaning, disinfection and sealing of the root canals so the natural tooth can be kept in function. Its long-term result is reported as tooth survival rather than cure: in a specialist clinic cohort of 420 root filled teeth in 330 patients, Kaplan-Meier 10-year survival was 81.5% (95% CI 76.7-85.5), and teeth restored with a crown afterwards survived significantly better, adjusted hazard ratio 0.27 (PubMed 25453569). Most cases are completed in one to three visits depending on canal anatomy and whether an abscess is present.
- 01Survival and success are different numbers: of 420 endodontically treated teeth followed for ten years, 73 (17.4%) were extracted, but only 5 of those extractions (6.8%) were recorded as endodontic in cause (PubMed 25453569).
- 02The restoration carries the result. Placing a crown after root canal treatment was an independent predictor of survival, adjusted hazard ratio 0.27 (95% CI 0.12-0.61), p=0.0016 (PubMed 25453569).
- 03When a first root canal fails, retreatment is predictable rather than certain: pooled success was 71% (95% CI 66-76) under strict criteria at one to three years and 77% (66-86) at four to five years (PubMed 38145805).
- 04Persistent symptoms or recurrent infection occur in roughly 10% to 15% of cases, and reported tooth survival two to ten years after initial treatment ranges from 86% to 93% (PubMed 29276892).
- 05The price table in this guide quotes €80-€150 for a front tooth and €150-€400 for a molar in Turkey, reaching €300-€700 with a crown; these are estimates, and the final figure is set after examination.
Mosdent Dental Hospital, Istanbul | Updated: March 2026
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth and seals the canals so the natural tooth can stay in function. Patients from the UK, Germany, the UAE and other countries travel to Istanbul for this treatment because it costs less there than at home.
Mosdent Dental Hospital has carried out endodontic treatment since 1992. Root canals are performed by specialist endodontists using micro endodontic technique, and the hospital holds Ministry of Health authorisation for international health tourism.
/ 1. Root Canal Treatment Overview
Root canal treatment also known as endodontic treatment is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed tissue (the pulp) from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and seals them to prevent future infection. The primary goal is to save the natural tooth rather than extract it.
Inside every tooth, beneath the hard enamel and dentine layers, lies a soft tissue called the pulp. This pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When decay, trauma or a cracked tooth allows bacteria to reach the pulp, it becomes infected. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the jawbone, form an abscess, and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Root canal treatment eliminates that infection, relieves the pain, and keeps your natural tooth firmly in place. A well performed root canal can keep the tooth in function for many years.
At Mosdent, our endodontic treatment services include: Root Canal Treatment | Micro Endodontics | Endodontic Surgery
/ 2. Signs You May Need a Root Canal: Do Not Ignore These Symptoms
Root canal treatment is typically required when one or more of the following symptoms are present:
- Severe, persistent toothache: A throbbing or intense pain that does not go away, especially when biting or chewing, often signals pulp infection.
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold: If your tooth hurts when exposed to hot or cold food and the sensation lingers for more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed, the pulp may be inflamed.
- Swollen or tender gums: Puffiness, tenderness or a small pimple-like bump (dental abscess) on the gum near an aching tooth is a key warning sign.
- Darkening of the tooth: A tooth that has turned grey or brown may indicate that the pulp tissue inside has died following trauma or deep infection.
- Pain when pressing on the tooth: Discomfort when your dentist taps the tooth or when you bite down often points to infection at the root tip.
- A cracked or chipped tooth: Fractures can expose the pulp to bacteria, making endodontic treatment necessary to prevent spreading infection.
Important: Pain sometimes disappears on its own when the pulp dies, but this does not mean the infection has cleared. The bacteria continue to spread silently. If you experience any of the above, contact a dental specialist promptly.
Book a free consultation at Mosdent: Contact Us
/ 3. Root Canal Treatment Diagnosis and Preparation
Modern root canal treatment in Istanbul at Mosdent is a carefully structured process, and under local anesthesia most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Here is exactly what to expect at each stage:
Step 1, Initial Examination & Digital X-Ray
Your specialist endodontist begins with a thorough clinical examination and digital X-ray (or 3D CBCT scan when needed) to assess the extent of the infection, the shape of the root canals, and the condition of the surrounding bone. This diagnostic stage is the foundation of a successful root canal treatment.
Step 2, Local Anaesthesia
The treatment area is numbed with modern local anaesthesia. Thanks to advances in anaesthetic techniques, you should feel no pain at all during the procedure. Patients often report that the injection itself is barely noticeable. If you feel any discomfort at any point, more anaesthetic can be administered immediately.
Step 3, Rubber Dam Placement
A thin rubber sheet (rubber dam) is placed around the tooth to isolate it from saliva and bacteria. This keeps the working area sterile throughout the procedure, significantly reducing the risk of reinfection a step that distinguishes high-quality endodontic care.
Step 4 Access Opening & Pulp Removal
A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Using specialised rotary instruments and hand files, the infected pulp tissue is carefully removed. At Mosdent, our micro endodontics technology uses a high-magnification dental operating microscope, allowing our specialists to see and treat even the most complex, curved or narrow canals with exceptional precision.
/ 3. Root Canal Treatment Restoration Steps
Root canal treatment continues with canal shaping, disinfection, filling and restoration.
Step 5 Canal Shaping & Disinfection
The root canals are then shaped using progressively larger instruments and thoroughly flushed with antibacterial solutions (such as sodium hypochlorite and EDTA) to eliminate any remaining bacteria and debris. This disinfection stage is critical for long-term success.
Step 6 Canal Length Measurement
An electronic apex locator is used alongside X-rays to determine the exact length of each canal. Accurate measurement ensures that the filling material reaches the very end of the canal without going beyond, a factor that significantly affects treatment outcomes.
Step 7 Canal Filling (Obturation)
Once the canals are clean, shaped and dried, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta percha, combined with a root canal sealer. This hermetically seals the canals, preventing bacteria from re-entering. The access opening is then closed with a temporary or permanent filling. At Mosdent, the quality materials we use in our root canal treatment Istanbul procedures meet the highest international standards.
Step 8 Crown Placement (Recommended)
After root canal treatment, the tooth becomes more brittle as it no longer receives nutrients from the pulp. Placing a dental crown typically zirconium or porcelain, over the treated tooth protects it from fracture and restores its full appearance and function. At Mosdent, your crown can often be completed during the same visit to Istanbul, saving you from making a second trip.
Explore our crown options: Zirconium Dental Crown | Porcelain Veneer | Emax Dental
/ 4. Root Canal Cost in Turkey vs UK, USA & Germany
Root canal treatment cost in Turkey is significantly lower than in Western Europe and the United States, without any reduction in clinical quality. The price difference comes from lower operating costs, government support for health tourism, and more favourable exchange rates, not from inferior materials or less experienced dentists.
Here is a transparent cost comparison for 2026:
| Country | Front Tooth | Molar | + Crown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | €80–€150 | €150–€400 | €300–€700 |
| 🇬🇧 UK (Private) | £350–£650 | £600–£1,000 | £1,300–£2,000 |
| 🇺🇸 USA | $700–$1,000 | $1,200–$1,800 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | €400–€700 | €700–€1,200 | €1,200–€2,500 |
- Prices are estimates. Your exact cost depends on the number of canals, complexity, and whether a crown is needed. Contact Mosdent for a personalised quote.
Key saving: A molar root canal plus crown in the UK or USA can cost £1,500–£2,000 or $2,500–$4,500 respectively. At Mosdent, the equivalent treatment, performed by specialist endodontists using microscope technology, is available at a fraction of that cost. Even accounting for flights and accommodation, most international patients save thousands of pounds or euros.
For a personalised treatment plan and quote, contact our international patients team: Get a Free Consultation
/ 5. Root Canal Treatment Sessions in Turkey
Root canal treatment in Turkey can often be completed in a single session of 60–90 minutes, making it ideal for international patients visiting Istanbul. The exact number of sessions depends on several factors:
- Single-session root canal: Straightforward cases, such as a front tooth with one canal and no active abscess, can typically be completed in one appointment.
- Two to three sessions: Complex cases involving molar teeth with multiple curved canals, or where there is an active abscess requiring drainage and medication between appointments, may require 2–3 visits.
- Re-treatment cases: If a previous root canal has failed and needs to be redone, additional sessions may be required.
At Mosdent, our micro endodontics approach using a dental operating microscope increases precision and reduces the number of sessions needed. We work closely with international patients to plan treatment efficiently, often completing the root canal and placing a temporary or permanent crown all within a single visit to Istanbul.
/ 6. Root Canal Treatment Pain and Comfort
With modern anaesthesia and micro endodontic technique, the root canal procedure itself is not painful.
What causes tooth pain is the infection, not the treatment. A root canal is actually the procedure that eliminates that pain. Thanks to highly effective local anaesthetics used today, the vast majority of patients feel nothing more than a slight sensation of pressure during treatment.
What about after the procedure?
It is completely normal to experience mild soreness or sensitivity for 2–4 days after treatment, as the surrounding tissue adjusts. This is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol and typically resolves quickly.
Why Mosdent's micro endodontics makes a difference
Our micro endodontics Istanbul approach uses a high-powered dental operating microscope that magnifies the root canals up to 25 times. This allows our endodontists to see and treat even the most complex anatomy with greater precision, fewer instruments passes, and significantly less trauma to surrounding tissue, resulting in faster healing and greater comfort.
Learn more about our technology: Micro Endodontics at Mosdent
/ 7. Root Canal Treatment vs Tooth Extraction
When faced with a severely damaged tooth, patients are often given a choice: try to save it with a root canal, or extract it. At Mosdent, our philosophy is clear: preserving your natural tooth is always the preferred option when clinically possible.
Why save the natural tooth?
- Natural teeth provide the most efficient chewing force and comfort, no artificial replacement fully replicates this.
- Extracting a tooth leaves a gap that causes neighbouring teeth to drift and shift over time, disrupting bite alignment.
- Bone loss begins at the extraction site within months. An implant can slow this, but only a natural root prevents it completely.
- Long-term costs: a root canal treatment in Turkey plus crown is almost always cheaper than an extraction followed by an implant, bridge or denture.
When is extraction unavoidable?
- The tooth is so severely damaged that it cannot be restored, for example, a vertical root fracture.
- Advanced gum disease has destroyed too much supporting bone, making the tooth unstable.
- A root canal has been attempted multiple times without success.
If extraction is necessary, Mosdent offers a full range of tooth replacement options: Dental Implants | All-on-4 Implant | All-on-6 Implant
/ 8. Aftercare: What to Do After Root Canal Treatment in Turkey
Proper aftercare is essential for a successful outcome after root canal treatment in Istanbul . Here is what our specialists at Mosdent recommend:
Immediately after treatment (first 24–48 hours)
- Avoid eating until the numbness has fully worn off to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
- Choose soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side.
- Take prescribed anti-inflammatory medication as directed to manage any post-procedure sensitivity.
- Do not smoke for at least 24 hours, as smoking slows healing and increases infection risk.
First week
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene, brush gently around the treated tooth and floss daily.
- Rinse with warm salt water 2–3 times daily to reduce any mild swelling.
- Avoid very hard, crunchy or sticky foods until your permanent crown is in place.
- If you experience increasing pain, significant swelling, or the temporary filling falls out, contact Mosdent immediately, our international patients team is available to help remotely.
Long-term care
- Attend regular dental check-ups every 6 months. With proper care, a root canal treated tooth can stay in function for many years.
- Get your permanent crown fitted as soon as possible after the root canal. A tooth without a crown is vulnerable to fracture.
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits. Root canal treated teeth cannot get decay inside, but the surrounding gum and remaining tooth structure still can.
/ 9. Reasons Patients Choose Turkey for Root Canal Treatment
Dental tourism in Turkey has grown enormously over the last decade, and root canal treatment is one of the top procedures sought by international patients. Here is why Turkey and Istanbul in particular makes so much sense:
- Fees you can read before you travel: a single-rooted root canal starts from EUR 80 at Mosdent, a two-rooted tooth from EUR 100 and a three-rooted tooth from EUR 130, with retreatment of a previously filled canal from EUR 130. Those are starting figures from our own published list, and the quote that applies to your tooth is written down after the radiograph.
- No waiting times: Unlike NHS dental services, where patients can wait months, you can begin treatment within days of contacting Mosdent.
- Specialist training: Mosdent's endodontists hold doctoral-level qualifications in endodontics.
- Advanced technology: Mosdent uses digital X-rays, 3D CBCT imaging, electronic apex locators and dental operating microscopes for micro endodontics
- Ministry of Health authorisation: Mosdent is officially authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health for international health tourism, a rigorous accreditation that ensures compliance with the highest clinical standards.
- Istanbul as a destination: Combine your dental treatment with one of the world's most extraordinary cities a gateway between Europe and Asia, rich in history, culture and cuisine.
/ 10. Micro Endodontics at Mosdent: What Makes Us Different
Not all root canal treatments are equal. At Mosdent, we offer micro endodontics an advanced form of endodontic treatment performed under high-magnification using a dental operating microscope. This approach offers significant advantages over conventional root canal treatment:
- Magnified working field: The microscope magnifies the working field up to 25x, allowing our specialists to identify and treat even the smallest, most calcified or curved canals that would be invisible to the naked eye.
- Higher success rates: Better visibility means more complete removal of infected tissue, more thorough disinfection and more accurate canal shaping all factors that directly improve long-term success.
- Fewer sessions needed: Greater precision typically means the treatment can be completed more efficiently, reducing the number of appointments required.
- Less invasive: Microscope-guided treatment requires smaller access openings and preserves more healthy tooth structure, strengthening the long-term prognosis of the tooth.
- Suitable for complex cases: Extra canals, root fractures, previously failed root canals and calcified canals are all managed more effectively under magnification.
Explore our endodontic services: Root Canal Treatment | Micro Endodontics | Endodontic Surgery | Endodontics Overview
/ 11. Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment in Turkey
How much does a root canal cost in Turkey in 2026?
Root canal treatment cost in Turkey typically ranges from €80 to €400 per tooth depending on the tooth type (front teeth are simpler and cheaper than molars with multiple canals) and complexity of the case. Adding a zirconium crown brings the total to approximately €300–€700, still a fraction of UK or US prices. Contact Mosdent for a personalised quote.
Is root canal treatment safe in Turkey?
Root canal treatment in Turkey follows the same clinical protocols as elsewhere when performed at an authorised clinic, and no procedure is free of risk. Mosdent is officially authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health for international health tourism and uses internationally certified materials and protocols. Our specialist endodontists hold doctoral-level qualifications.
Can I get a root canal and crown in the same trip to Istanbul?
In most cases, yes. At Mosdent, we plan international patient visits carefully to make the most of your time in Istanbul. For straightforward root canal treatment Turkey cases, both the root canal and a permanent zirconium crown can be completed within a single visit of 3–5 days. Our team will assess your specific case and plan accordingly.
How long does a root canal last?
In one cohort of 420 root filled teeth, 10-year survival was 81.5%, and crowned teeth survived significantly better (PubMed 25453569). Long-term success depends on the quality of the original treatment, the restorative crown placed afterwards, and the patient's ongoing care at home.
What is the difference between root canal treatment and micro endodontics?
Micro endodontics is an advanced form of root canal treatment performed under high-magnification using a dental operating microscope. All the same steps are involved, but the microscope allows the specialist to see and work with far greater precision, particularly valuable for complex, curved or calcified canals, and for retreatment cases where a previous root canal has failed.
Will I need antibiotics before or after root canal treatment in Turkey?
Your Mosdent specialist will assess whether antibiotics are needed based on your individual case. Patients with an active dental abscess or significant infection are often prescribed a short course of antibiotics before or after treatment. Anti-inflammatory pain relief is typically recommended for the first few days following the procedure. A long course has its own downside, because the NHS lists taking antibiotics over a long time among the things that can bring on oral thrush. A long course has its own downside, because the NHS lists taking antibiotics over a long time among the things that can bring on oral thrush.
What happens if I do not get root canal treatment?
Leaving a tooth with infected pulp untreated allows the infection to spread, first to the surrounding bone (dental abscess), then potentially to other structures. Untreated tooth infection can, in serious cases, spread to the neck or jaw. Additionally, the tooth will eventually need to be extracted rather than saved, requiring more extensive and expensive treatment such as an implant. Early root canal treatment is always preferable.
Does Mosdent offer sedation for nervous patients?
Yes. For patients with significant dental anxiety, Mosdent offers sedation and general anaesthesia options, allowing you to undergo treatment in a relaxed, comfortable state:
/ 12. Mosdent for Root Canal Treatment in Istanbul and Contact Details
Choosing the right clinic for root canal treatment in Turkey is as important as the decision to seek treatment abroad. Here is what Mosdent offers international patients:
- Established in 1992: Mosdent works from its clinic in Bahçelievler, Istanbul.
- Specialist endodontists: Our root canal treatment Istanbul procedures are performed exclusively by endodontic specialists with doctoral-level training, not general dentists.
- Dental operating microscope (Micro Endodontics): Every root canal treatment at Mosdent is carried out under a dental operating microscope.
- Ministry of Health authorised: Mosdent holds official authorisation from the Turkish Ministry of Health for international health tourism.
- Insurance agreements: Mosdent has agreements with insurers including Allianz, Bupa Acıbadem and Anadolu Sigorta.
- Full-service hospital: Root canal, crown restoration, implants, orthodontics and aesthetics all under one roof, no referrals to other clinics needed.
- Flexible hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–21:00, Sat 09:00–20:00, Sun 10:00–20:00.
About Mosdent | Our Team | Contracted Institutions | Quality Management
Ready to Save Your Tooth? Get in Touch with Mosdent Today
Root canal treatment at Mosdent is carried out by endodontists using magnification, and the fee is published rather than quoted on arrival: from EUR 80 for a single-rooted tooth, from EUR 100 for two roots and from EUR 130 for three, with the filling or crown that follows quoted separately.
Do not let fear of pain or cost stop you from saving your tooth. With modern anaesthesia and our microscope-guided approach, root canal treatment is comfortable, precise and effective.
Contact our international patients team today for a free consultation and personalised root canal treatment Turkey quote:
Naci Kasım Sok. No:2/3, 34180 Bahçelievler, Istanbul, Turkey
Mon–Fri: 09:00–21:00 | Sat: 09:00–20:00 | Sun: 10:00–20:00
Related Services at Mosdent:
Root Canal Treatment • Micro Endodontics • Endodontic Surgery • Dental Implants • Zirconium Crown • Wisdom Tooth Extraction • Gum Diseases • Sedation & Anaesthesia
Let’s plan the right treatment together.
Free Assessment→- 1.Landys Borén D, Jonasson P, Kvist T. Long-term survival of endodontically treated teeth at a public dental specialist clinic. J Endod 2015;41:176-81. PubMed 25453569
- 2.Olivieri JG, Encinas M, Nathani T, Miró Q, Duran-Sindreu F. Outcome of root canal retreatment filled with gutta-percha techniques: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Dent 2024;142:104809. PubMed 38145805
- 3.Ho C, Argáez C. Endodontic Therapy Interventions for Root Canal Failure in Permanent Dentition: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2017. PubMed 29276892
- 4.NHS. Oral thrush (mouth thrush). Page last reviewed 5 June 2023.
