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New dental procedure could replace root canal treatment

Conventional root canal treatment is performed in several sessions and is usually unpleasant for the patient. (Photo: Jeremy Kemp)

Fri. 17 January 2014

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LIVERPOOL – Researchers at the University of Liverpool are currently testing a new procedure to treat infected pulp. Revascularisation can be performed in just two visits and could spare patients from undergoing the long and much disliked root canal treatment.

As reported by MailOnline, the first step of the new procedure entails drilling into the tooth and applying an antibiotic paste to disinfect the root canal. A second visit to the dentist follows approximately two weeks later. Using a tool, the dentist makes tiny cuts into the root canal system until the tissue starts to bleed, which triggers a blood clot.

The clot encourages the growth of new blood vessels. This boosts oxygen and nutrient supply and helps the pulp repair itself. The mechanism is not clearly understood, reported the website; however, one suggestion is that a blood clot contains a high concentration of growth factors, compounds that help repair damaged tissue.

Studies have already found the technique to be successful. The scientists at the University of Liverpool are testing revascularisation on 15 patients. The outcomes will be compared with a control group of 15 patients undergoing conventional root canal treatment.

Commenting on the new treatment in MailOnline, Dr Hugh Devlin, Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Manchester, said: “It’s an excellent technique and is getting a lot of interest in the academic journals. Traditional treatment eliminates bacteria, but prevents growth of a new blood supply to the root.”

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