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1. A Deep Infection
Root canal treatment is needed when the tooth's root becomes infected or inflamed through injury or advanced decay. |
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2. A Route to the Root
The tooth is anesthetized. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth to the pulp chamber. |
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3. Removing the Infected/Inflamed Tissue
Special files are used to clean the infection and unhealthy pulp out of the canals. Irrigation is used to help clean the main canal (called lateral canals). |
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4. Filling the Canals
The canals are filled with a permanent material, often gutta-percha. This helps to keep the canals free of infection or contamination. |
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5. Rebuilding the Tooth
A temporary filling material is placed on top of the gutta-percha to seal the opening until the tooth is ready to be prepared for a crown. A crown, sometimes called a cap, is made to look like a natural tooth, and is placed on top. |
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6. Extra Support
In some cases, a post is placed to give the crown extra support. |
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7. The Crowning Touch
The crown is cemented into place. |
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