Are There Alternatives to a Root Canal Treatment?

Having a root canal treatment is a method of tooth restoration capable of retaining the natural tooth structures. Much of the enamel, dentin, and roots are still intact during this procedure. The aim of this treatment is to remove the infected pulp and the bacteria in the pulp chamber. This procedure has a reputation of being painful. That is why many people are wondering if there are alternatives to it. If you want to find out possible alternatives to a root canal treatment, here are the details.

Pulpotomy

This is a dental procedure involving the removal of the infected pulp. This is much like pulp capping. A dentist can perform this if the pulp was exposed to damage or decay. Pulpotomy is different from a root canal treatment’s pulpectomy. In a root canal, the dentist also removes the root canals and dental nerves. This does not happen in pulpotomy.

A pulpotomy removes the inflamed pulp. The dentist adds a healing material inside the tooth. This substance prevents the growth of bacteria. Calcium hydroxide and formocresol are examples of this healing material. Then the dentist fills the tooth. A dental crown goes over the treated tooth to protect it from future damage and restore its appearance.

Pulpotomies are often for children. The young patients still have underdeveloped permanent teeth or baby teeth. These teeth do not have fully formed dental roots yet. Adults only have pulpotomies to remove the pain during an emergency. They still need a root canal treatment after.

Direct pulp capping

There are cases involving severe dental damage leading to pulp exposure. A root canal treatment would be effective in treating the tooth. But if the patient needs an alternative, dental capping is another method to consider. This procedure prevents a future tooth extraction or root canal treatment.

In this treatment, the exposed pulp receives a cap. MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) or calcium hydroxide can serve this purpose. Either of these materials can create a barrier. The cap promotes tissue repair and protects the tooth. Filling the tooth comes next.

This root canal treatment alternative can only apply to a pulp with minimal exposure. It can also be for the healthy-looking dental pulp. This means that the pulp does not have signs of tooth decay or inflammation. Direct pulp capping is also for younger people.

Tooth extraction

This procedure often comes to light once the dentist skips the topic of a root canal treatment or a procedure like it. Tooth extraction involves the removal of the whole tooth. The dentist will recommend this if the tooth has severe damage or decay. It is not possible to repair the tooth with a root canal treatment or any other technique.

Simple dental extractions can happen in a dentist’s clinic. This involves the use of forceps to hold and pull out the tooth. The dentist uses different movements to loosen the tooth. This will continue until the tooth finally comes out.

Complex dental extractions need the skills and experience of a dental surgeon. They include stitches and incisions. The dentist must divide a hard-to-remove large tooth into smaller pieces. Only then could the dentist extract the tooth.

A root canal treatment has alternative techniques depending on the patient’s case

Your dentist can perform a root canal treatment to prevent tooth extraction. You can choose other alternatives if you think a root canal is too much for you. An appointment with your dentist will determine which alternative treatment fits your needs. Tooth extraction in your future may need a dental implant to replace the missing tooth.

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