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Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is
needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth
(known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread
through the root canal system of the tooth. This may
eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment
(RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread
and the tooth may need to be taken out.
The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection
from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled
to prevent any further infection.
Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming
procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two
or more visits to your dentist.
At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed.
Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained
at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped
ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in
and the tooth is left to settle.
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The
tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the
infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
Because root-filled
teeth are brittle and often severely damaged, your
dentist will usually advise a crown or some form of
advanced restoration for the tooth..
The alternative is
to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed,
it can't heal and it is not recommended to leave an
infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would
prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as
many natural teeth as possible.
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