Root Canal Treatment

Alternate Terms:
  • Endodontic Treatment
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Root Canal Treatment Definition by Healthwise:

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment (also called a root canal) is a dental procedure done to remove the infected core (pulp) of a tooth, which helps relieve toothache, stop infection, and promote healing.

When the pulp is healthy, it feeds the tooth and helps fight infection. When the pulp becomes damaged because of a deep cavity or fracture, infection may develop. The infection can cause pain and lead to the development of an abscess.

Author: Ralph Poore
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Last Updated: March 23, 2007

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