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Root Canal Treatment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


When bacteria reaches the tooth's nerve through a cavity (decay) or fracture, root canal treatment is necessary to save the tooth. The tooth's canal and chamber will need to be cleaned, shaped, sterilized and sealed to prevent further infection. Bacteria can reach the nerve directly or indirectly. The tooth's dentin looks like a sponge under a microscope and has small tubules and openings throughout it's structure. Bacteria can reach the nerve through these openings when the damage is close enough to it. Most teeth die a silent death and the person may never have any symptoms until the infection gets larger or abscesses outside of the apex (end) of the tooth.  

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Procedure:

  1.  An opening through the top of the tooth is made into the nerve chamber.
  2.  The nerve and soft tissues are removed from the inside of the chamber and root canals.
  3.  Chamber and canals are cleaned, shaped and sterilized.
  4.  Canals are then filled with Gutta Percha and sealant.  
  5.  The remaining, damaged coronal (top) structure is repaired and built up, a post may be placed for additional strength.
  6.  In most cases a crown is necessary to encase the tooth to prevent it from future breakdown.