Root Canal Alternatives: What Are Your Options?

At Sierra Dental, we recommend root canal treatment to patients who have a severely decayed or damaged tooth that has involved the tooth pulp or if there is existing dental infection. This procedure effectively saves the tooth by removing bacteria and restoring it to good health so it can look and function as new.

However, a root canal may not always be an accessible solution for everyone. Some patients may be doubtful of the process or the result, some have financial constraints and cannot meet the cost that comes with the treatment, or some may have dental anxiety with root canal pain.

With that, we have made other alternatives to root canal available in our clinic. This ensures that patients still receive the best care.

What is a Root Canal Treatment?

Your dentist may recommend getting a root canal to save a tooth that has a deep cavity or fracture that has reached the pulp. The tooth pulp is the “life” of the tooth. It houses nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. If the pulp becomes infected, it can cause problems such as severe pain and swelling.

To restore the health of the tooth, the infected tooth pulp must be removed through root canal treatment. The procedure involves cleaning inside the tooth using tooth files that gain access to the tooth root where the infection is. Once cleaned, the tooth is sealed and restored with a dental crown to prevent reinfection.

At Sierra Dental, our root canal treatments are led by specialist, Dr. Kiarash Shabehpour.

With advanced dental technology, such as digital X-rays and CBCT scanning, we have helped countless of patients find relief from pain due to infection so they can smile with comfort and confidence again.

Why Are Patients Nervous About Root Canal Treatment?

There are many reasons why patients are undecided about getting a root canal. And we hear you, we understand you. The most common reason that we usually encounter at our endodontic clinic is fear associated with pain, treatment process, and lack of awareness of the procedure.

Fear of pain

Pain is one of the main reasons why patients choose not to undergo certain dental procedures, including root canal treatment. Fear may stem from pain from 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 may require several dental visits spanning across weeks of treatment. This may be an inconvenience to patients who want a faster treatment.

Lack of treatment understanding

Lastly, there are several hearsays about the pain involved with root canal procedure. Negative comments like pain or treatment failure may make patients hesitant to get the treatment done.

Whether it is due to personal concerns, financial setbacks, or treatment uncertainty, our team is committed to making sure the entire experience is comfortable and reassuring. And if you are worried about pain, we have several sedation dentistry methods that can help boost your confidence. Just let our team know so we can discuss these with you. We can also offer root canal treatment alternatives that may better suit your specific needs.

Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment

If root canal treatment is not an ideal option, there are other alternatives that you can consider. These alternatives have their own set of benefits and limitations, so it is always best to sit down and talk to your dentist or endodontist who can enlighten you on the right solution.

Pulp Capping

Our endodontist will only recommend this procedure if there is minor damage to the tooth, usually when the pulp is accidentally drilled into during a routine dental filling treatment. Pulp capping is a non-invasive procedure and it saves the tooth by sealing the exposed pulp with a calcium hydroxide medication. Then, a tooth-coloured dental filling is layered over it to seal the tooth.

Pulpotomy

A pulpotomy is usually done on an infected baby tooth. But only when the infection has not spread too deep to the tooth root. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp confined in the tooth crown, and the healthy roots are untouched. This prevents the infection from going any deeper, keeping 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 possible, an alternative is tooth extraction. It will prevent harm to the adjacent teeth and resolve symptoms such as pain and swelling. After extraction, your dentist will discuss tooth replacement options, such as dental bridges or implants.

Why Consider a Root Canal if Your Dentist Suggests It?

Getting a root canal is the treatment of choice for an infected tooth. Not a dental filling as this leaves the bacteria inside the tooth and can do more harm. Not tooth extraction either because it is always still best to save your natural tooth.

Root canal treatment is designed to:

• Resolve symptoms of dental infection, such as pain and swelling
• Preserve the tooth for a long time
• Prevent reinfection and other dental problems
• Improve dental health and overall well-being

Can You Prevent a Root Canal?

While it is not always possible to completely avoid getting a root canal, we recommend the following items to significantly reduce your chances of needing one:

1. 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 cause damage and infection.
2. Visit your dentist regularly – Schedule your routine dental check-up and teeth cleaning every six months with your trusted dental hygienist. This will also help identify and treat any dental issues before they become serious concerns.
3. Treat tooth decay early – In its early stages, tooth decay can be treated with dental fillings. But, if left to progress, a visit to your root canal dentist may already be needed. Avoid this by restoring decay as soon as it is identified.
4. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks – Limit sugars and acids as they increase your risk of tooth decay and the need for a root canal treatment.
5. Consider dental sealants – Sealants are a great preventive measure to cover deep grooves on the back teeth which can be prone to plaque build-up and decay.

Explore Your Best Treatment Options at Sierra Dental

For many years, families have trusted us for complete oral care solutions because of the wide range of dental procedures we offer. This allows us to provide trusted and effective treatment alternatives, including for root canal therapy.

If you want to explore more of these options, our endodontist will happily discuss them with you so you can get a better understanding of what suits you best. Contact us at (403) 297-9600 to learn more!