WEBVTT

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Commonly called a root canal,

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root canal treatment is a type of

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endodontic therapy

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that is often recommended

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if the tooth pulp and nerves

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become infected or damaged.

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The dental pulp,

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which is the innermost

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layer of the tooth,

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may become diseased

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or inflamed

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if injury or decay reaches

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deep into the tooth

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past the outer enamel layer.

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This may occur

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if a tooth suffers from serious decay.

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If a tooth experiences trauma,

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if repeated dental procedures

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are performed on a tooth,

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or if a tooth is chipped.

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When left untreated,

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this type of injury and disease

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may cause the tooth to die

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and necessitate tooth extraction.

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To restore the health of the tooth

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and avoid the need for extraction,

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your dentist may recommend

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root canal treatment.

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A root canal

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typically requires

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two visits to the dentist.

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During the first appointment,

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your dentist will numb

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the tooth and surrounding areas

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with a local anesthetic,

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which helps to ensure

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that your treatment

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is as comfortable

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and painless as possible.

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Your dentist will

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then open the tooth

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and remove the infected

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and injured tissues

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from within the tooth.

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Root canal files

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are used to clean

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and shape the root canals.

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A cleansing solution

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may also be used to clear away

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any debris or infection in the tooth.

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Once the root canals

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have been thoroughly cleaned

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and the bacteria have been removed,

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the root canals are filled with a rubber

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like material with a sealer.

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A temporary filling

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is also placed to protect the tooth

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until the second appointment.

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During the second visit,

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your dentist will cap the treated tooth

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with a permanent restoration

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such as a dental crown.

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Your dentist will help you determine

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which type of restoration is best

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suited to your personal needs.

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This final restoration returns

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the tooth to its original shape

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and structure and restores its function.

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You may have heard that root

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canal treatment

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can be a painful treatment.

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In reality,

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however, root canal treatment

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can often be completed

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with minimal discomfort.

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Thanks to advanced techniques,

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tools, and anesthesia.

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Your dentist,

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along with the entire dental

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team, works hard to provide you

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with a pleasant,

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comfortable experience

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during every appointment.

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However, you may experience some soreness

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following the treatment.

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To ease any discomfort,

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you can take over-the-counter painkillers

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as recommended by your dentist.

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In some cases,

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your dentist may prescribe

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a prescription

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antibiotic and painkiller

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to treat any remaining infection.

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While root canal treatment

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is often sufficient

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to restore the health of the tooth,

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certain conditions

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may make root canal retreatment

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or another procedure

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necessary to help you

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maintain optimal oral health.

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In these cases, your dentist will ensure

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that you receive the treatment

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you need to keep your smile healthy.

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If you have any questions

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or if you would like

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to learn more about root canal treatment,

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please contact your dentist today.