Root canal treatment is recommended if you have a severely decayed or damaged tooth that has reached the tooth pulp or if there is an existing dental infection. This procedure effectively preserves the tooth by removing the bacteria, disinfecting the tooth, and restoring it to good health so it can look and function as new.
However, root canal may not always be an accessible solution for everyone. Some patients may not be certain with the procedure or the result, some have financial constraints due to the cost that comes with the treatment, or some may have anxiety associated with root canal pain.
With that, Sierra Dental has made other alternatives to root canal available in our clinic to ensure that our patients still get the best care. Read along to know more.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is a procedure to save a tooth that has a deep cavity or significant damage that has reached the pulp, which is the “life” of the tooth. The pulp houses the nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. If the pulp becomes infected, it can cause severe pain and swelling.
To restore the health of the tooth, the pulp must be removed through root canal treatment. The procedure involves cleaning the inside of the tooth using tooth files that gain access to the tooth root. Once infection is removed, the tooth is sealed and restored with a dental crown to prevent future complications and reinfection.
Why Are Patients Nervous About Root Canal Treatment?
There are many reasons why patients are undecided about the root canal treatment. The most common reason would be fear associated with pain, treatment procedure, and the lack of awareness of how the treatment is done.
Fear of pain
Pain is one of the main reasons why patients choose not to undergo certain dental procedures, including root canal treatment. The idea of pain may be from the needles, negative peer reviews from those who previously underwent the treatment, or potential complications.
Dental trauma or anxiety
Anxiety may be rooted from a previously unsuccessful treatment or a bad experience in the dentist. This can affect the judgment about getting root canal treatment done to save the tooth.
Duration of the treatment
Root canal involves a meticulous procedure that usually requires at least 3-5 dental visits that spans across several weeks of treatment. This treatment length may concern many patients.
Lack of treatment understanding
Lastly, there are several hearsays about the pain involved with root canal procedure and other negative comments that may make other patients hesitant to get the treatment done.
Whether it is about personal concerns, financial setbacks, or treatment uncertainty, our team at Sierra Dental will put your comfort above all else to ensure that you have a positive experience with our root canal treatment. With modern treatment approaches and techniques in place, getting a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling, making it an ideal treatment to save the tooth from extraction.
Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment
If root canal treatment is not an ideal option, there are other alternatives to consider. Each alternative has its own set of benefits and limitations, so it is always best to discuss with your dentist or endodontist so they can recommend the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Pulp Capping
This is recommended only if there is minor damage to the tooth, usually when the pulp is accidentally drilled into during routine dental filling treatment. Pulp capping is a non-invasive procedure that effectively saves the tooth by sealing the pulp exposure with calcium hydroxide medication, then filling the tooth with tooth-coloured composite material to seal it off.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy is usually done on an infected baby tooth when the infection has not spread too deep into the tooth. In this procedure, only the infected or damaged tooth pulp is removed, usually confined within the tooth crown, and the healthy root canals are kept intact. This is done to prevent the infection from causing further complications and to keep the baby tooth healthy until it is ready to be replaced with its permanent tooth counterpart.
Tooth Extraction
However, if the infection has made the tooth unrestorable and root canal is no longer a viable option, an alternative is tooth extraction. This will prevent damage to the adjacent teeth and resolve the symptoms associated with an infected tooth, such as pain and swelling. After extraction, your dentist will recommend tooth replacement options such as dental bridges or implants.
Why You Should Consider a Root Canal if Your Dentist Suggests It?
A root canal is the ideal treatment for an infected treatment. While there are alternatives in place, a root canal, if recommended, is your best bet to save your tooth and to prevent future complications. Root canal treatment is designed to:
- Preserve the tooth for long-term treatment success
- Prevent reinfection
- Improve dental health
- Enhance overall well-being and quality of life
Can You Prevent a Root Canal?
While it is not always possible to completely avoid getting a root canal, there are several proactive steps that you can do and integrate in your life to significantly reduce your chances of needing one.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush twice a day using a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride-rich toothpaste to avoid plaque and bacteria build-up that may damage the teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly – Schedule your routine dental check-up and teeth cleaning every six months to keep your oral health in good shape. This will also help your dentist identify and treat dental problems before they become worse.
- Treat tooth decay early – In its early stage, tooth decay can be treated with dental fillings. But, if left to progress, a root canal may eventually be recommended. Avoid this problem by restoring decay as soon as it is identified.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks – Sugar and acids are prone to causing decay. Try to limit your intake to prevent decay that may lead to root canal treatment.
- Consider getting dental sealants – Sealants are a great preventive measure to cover the deep grooves on the back teeth which are prone to plaque accumulation and decay.
At Sierra Dental, we have a team of expert dentists and endodontists to help you learn more about root canal treatment and its alternatives so you can understand which is the best way to restore the health and beauty of your smile. Schedule an appointment today for more information.