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ROOT CANAL THERAPY
(Endodontic Therapy) A root canal is something that we don't mind as long as it is happening to someone else. Root canal therapy has existed for
centuries and actually was first performed in ancient civilizations - most often only the nobility and very wealthy were treated.
There is the old tale about the tooth becoming "dead" once the nerve is removed. This is simply not true. The blood supply in
the tissues that support the tooth in the jaw give all the nourishment the tooth requires. Biting pressure remains normal although
there is no response to hot, cold or sweets. There is a 95% + chance that you'll retain a tooth that has had root canal therapy.
Some indications for a root canal are;
- Pain while biting.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Deep decay.
- Blunt injury to the tooth.
- Infection
When the pulp or "nerve center" of a tooth becomes unhealthy, two alternative treatments are available: extraction or root
canal therapy. Root canal therapy permits the tooth to be retained and restores its health so that it can function normally and
look natural
 | Step 1:
In a tooth where there the pulp is
exposed or unhealthy, an opening is
made through the top of the tooth
into the root canal system. | |  | Step 2:
The length of the root canal is
measured, and then the pulp is
carefully removed from the canal
using delicate instruments. The canal
is cleaned and shaped to prepare it
for filling. |
 | Step 3:
The canal is dried with absorbent
paper points | |  | Step 4:
Gutta percha (a natural rubber)
points coated in endodontic cement
are used to completely seal the root
canal system. |
 | Step 5:
The final step is to restore the tooth.
The type of restoration varies from
case to case. | | | |
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