{"id":1719,"date":"2021-06-03T06:15:39","date_gmt":"2021-06-03T06:15:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trucaredentistry.com\/blog\/?p=1719"},"modified":"2023-10-30T01:33:52","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T01:33:52","slug":"root-canal-or-alternative-treatment-which-one-should-you-select","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trucaredentistry.com\/blog\/root-canal-or-alternative-treatment-which-one-should-you-select\/","title":{"rendered":"Root Canal Or Alternative Treatment: Which One Should You Select"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A root canal is one of the dental procedures to repair a tooth without extracting it. This procedure includes removing the pulp (soft center part of a tooth) when a tooth becomes severely damaged or decayed. The pulp can become inflamed when there’s a deep cavity or injury to the tooth. In such cases, root canal treatment is needed to save the tooth and function normally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you go for the root canal treatment<\/a>, the inside part of a\ntooth is cleaned and disinfected to remove bacteria. Then the root is filled,\nfollowed by a crown to help restore the affected tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, often people wonder about the possible\nalternatives of the root canal procedure. If you want to learn about\nalternative treatments for a root canal, you are at the right spot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatives to root canal treatment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many possible alternatives to root canals. Let\u2019s explore those in more detail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.   \n<\/strong>Direct pulp capping<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Direct pulp capping is used to treat severely\ndamaged or decayed teeth that expose the pulp. In this procedure, a material\n(calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate) is placed directly over the\nexposed pulp to create a mineral barrier. This will help protect the exposed\npulp and aid tissue repair. Once the pulp capping material is applied, the\ntooth is then filled. Direct pulp capping is only recommended when the exposure\nis minimal, and when the exposed pulp does not have any signs of inflammation\nor decay.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.   \n<\/strong>Pulpotomy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A pulpotomy can be done when the pulp has been\nopened due to tooth decay or damage. During this procedure, the inflamed pulp\nis removed. A material (calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate) is\nthen added to the tooth\u2019s center to improve healing and stop bacterial growth.\nIn adults, this dental procedure is only performed as an emergency procedure to\nalleviate pain till a root canal can be done. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.   \n<\/strong>Tooth extraction<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Tooth extraction can be recommended in cases of\nsevere tooth decay or damage. Usually, the dentist recommends tooth extraction\nwhen a tooth cannot be repaired with treatment like a root canal. Once the\ntooth is removed, you can have dental implants<\/a>, a dental bridge, or a\nremovable partial denture to fill the gap in the mouth. Also, artificial teeth\nwill restore the function of the mouth and improve appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, should you consider a root canal?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Often, the dentist suggests having a root canal\ntreatment as the best possible alternative to save your natural tooth.\nUndoubtedly, you can discuss the available options for the root canal with your\ndoctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if a root canal is suggested, your\ndentist knows that it is the most effective treatment. The dentist will perform\nthe oral examination and assess the tooth’s condition before suggesting the\nbest alternative dental treatment for you.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to prevent a root canal?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips to prevent root canals and\nother dental issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n