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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
Editor Cynthia Tank
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Denele Ivins
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH
- Dentist
Last Updated March 23, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 23, 2007
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