Is there an alternative to a root canal?

Is there an alternative to having a root canal? This is a popular question posed by patients facing root canal treatment. The answer: the only other solution is extracting the tooth (but, keep in mind, that dental treatment plans vary and depend on the overall health of the teeth and gums).WebMD says, “The only alternative to a root canal procedure is having the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These alternatives not only are more expensive than a root canal procedure but require more treatment time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.”Root canals have come a long way since first performed decades ago. Similar to a number of other medical procedures, with modern-day technology and better anesthetics, root canal treatment is no more painful than having a cavity filled. In fact, only 17 percent of people who’ve had a root canal described it as their “most painful dental experience.”According to the American Association of Endodontics, “Root canal treatment is an often-straightforward procedure to relieve dental pain and save your teeth. Patients typically need a root canal when there is inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth. The Association goes on to say that, “During root canal treatment, an endodontist who specializes in such treatment carefully removes the pulp inside the tooth, cleans, disinfects and shapes the root canals, and places a filling to seal the space.”Now that you are up to date on root canal treatment, you are probably wondering…so, how do I prevent a root canal?

Preventing a Root Canal

Medical News Today lists the following steps for preventing a root canal:

• Brushing teeth last thing at bedtime and at least one other time each day.
• Using toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Using a suitable toothbrush and replacing it regularly.
• Attending regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Flossing to clean between the teeth and prevent the buildup of plaque.
• Avoiding sugary drinks and foods and following a healthy diet.
• Dental sealants can also prevent decay.

Usually, the pain associated with a root canal is the infection leading up to the procedure. The actual root canal procedure is done to alleviate the pain. During the procedure, your dentist will numb the tooth and the area surrounding it with a local anesthesia. Afterward, the area may be sore or tender, but your dentist can recommend over-the-counter pain medication or a prescription.Rest assured that modern-day root canal treatment relieves and treats dental pain – not the opposite. And, knowing what to expect helps ease worries and fears associated with the procedure.If you are experiencing persistent pain surrounding a tooth, then it’s time to contact your dentist. Get the help you need in order to return to a normal way of life!