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Root
Canals
A root
canal is a treatment used to repair
and save a tooth that is badly decayed
or becomes infected. During a root
canal procedure, the nerve and pulp
are removed and the inside of the
tooth is cleaned and sealed. Medication
may be placed in the pulp chamber
to help eliminate bacteria.
Sometimes
no symptoms are present; however,
signs you may need a root canal include:
- Severe
pain upon chewing or application
of pressure
- Prolonged
sensitivity/pain to heat or cold
temperatures (after the hot or cold
has been removed)
- Darkening
of the tooth
- Swelling
and tenderness in the nearby gums
Many
teeth treated with a root canal can
last a lifetime. Root canal treatment
is highly successful; the procedure
has more than a 95% success rate.
Because a tooth that needs a root
canal often is one that has a large
filling or extensive decay or other
weakness, a crown, crown and post,
or other restoration often needs to
be placed on the tooth to protect
it, prevent it from breaking, and
restore it to full function. Dr. Cline
will discuss the need for any additional
dental work with you.
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