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| ILLUSTRATIONS: Root Canal Treatment |
| A Deep Infection Root canal treatment is needed when the tooth's root becomes infected or inflamed because of injury or advanced decay. |
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| A Route to the Tooth The root is anesthesized. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth through the pulp chamber. |
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| 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. |
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| Filling the Canal 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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| 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 the natural tooth, is placed on top. |
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| Extra Support In some cases, a post is placed to give the crown extra support. |
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| The Crowning Touch The crown is cemented into place. |
| 2002-2005 Aetna,Inc Reviewed by The Faculty of Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery |