Root canal therapy
Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Therapy (pronunciation: /ruːt kəˈnæl θɛrəpi/), also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the pulp from the tooth, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and then filling and sealing the space.
Etymology
The term "root canal" is derived from the practice of cleaning of the canals inside a tooth's root. "Therapy" is derived from the Greek word "therapeia" meaning healing.
Procedure
Root canal therapy is performed when the pulp which is composed of nerves and blood vessels in the tooth becomes infected or damaged. During root canal therapy, the pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
The procedure involves several steps:
- The dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp.
- The inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected.
- The cleaned tooth's interior is filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
- Finally, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection.
Related Terms
- Endodontics: The branch of dentistry concerning dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of a tooth.
- Pulpotomy: The removal of a portion of the pulp, including the diseased aspect.
- Apicoectomy: A root-end resection. Occasionally a root canal alone will not be enough to relieve pain, and an apicoectomy will be performed.
- Pulpectomy: The removal of the entire pulp from the tooth.
Risks and Complications
As with any medical procedure, root canal therapy carries some risks. These may include infection, tooth fracture, or the tooth may become discolored over time. However, the procedure has a high success rate and is considered safe.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Root canal therapy
- Wikipedia's article - Root canal therapy
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