Are There Any Alternatives to a Root Canal Available?

Looking into your additional endodontic options because you would rather avoid undergoing a root canal? Root canals tend to be associated with a painful dental procedure, which makes it so many dental patients would rather avoid the need for root canal therapy. While there are indeed root canal alternatives available nowadays, you need to see an experienced endodontist in order to know whether or not these alternatives are available to you.

About root canals

Want more information on any endodontic alternatives available nowadays? Good idea. While root canals are not a difficult procedure, they can cause some discomfort and pain as the nerve of the tooth is being treated. This is why endodontists make it a goal to let their patients know what type of anesthesia is available, so together they can be sure to choose the right one so the patient is completely pain-free during the procedure. While root canal therapy as one of the more common types of endodontic treatments performed on patients who have an infected tooth, there are other alternatives available.

Alternatives to root canals

The list below shows four alternatives that are available for dental patients who would rather avoid undergoing root canal therapy.

Extracting the tooth and replacing it with a bridge

Instead of treating the tooth, the tooth can be extracted from the mouth. While it is preferred for dental patients to keep their natural teeth for as long as possible, it is possible to extract the tooth vs. performing a root canal. When a tooth is extracted from the mouth, it needs to be replaced. Dental bridges are one of the more common types of tooth replacements available nowadays.

Extracting the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant

Extracting an infected tooth and replacing it with a dental implant is another alternative. Many dental patients who are missing one or more of their teeth are now choosing dental implants as their tooth replacement option, as this option offers benefits that other replacement options do not, e.g., preventing jawbone deterioration maintaining gum tissues.

Extracting the tooth and replacing it with a partial denture

Partial dentures can also be used to replace an extracted tooth, and since there are different types of partial dentures available nowadays, patients have choices. According to the American Dental Association, a partial denture may have a metal framework or clasps that connect to teeth, or they can have other connectors that are more natural-looking.

Pulp capping

Pulp capping is a fourth alternative, which may or may not be successful. Pulp capping requires an endodontist to seal off the entrance to the pulp that is inside of the tooth. Because this alternative option is not always effective, it may be necessary for patients to still undergo root canal therapy sometime in the future.

Are you in need of an endodontic procedure?

Thinking an endodontic procedure just may be in your near future? If you happen to be experiencing tooth problems that have to do with the pulp of your teeth, then undergoing an endodontic procedure is often necessary in order to fix the problem. Now that you understand some of the alternatives to having a root canal, you may have choices. The only way to find out is by making an appointment today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.tranquilitydentalspa1.com or call Tranquility Dental Spa at (980) 316-7109 for an appointment in our Rock Hill office.

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