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Alternatives to Root Canals

When a dentist finds an infection of the pulp of a tooth, the first words out of his mouth are often, "time for a root canal!" Despite their bad reputation, root canals can be the best way to save a tooth. But in some circumstances, dentists and patients can find another solution.

  1. When Alternatives Are Possible?

    • If the infection has been present for months or longer, you may not have any options beyond a root canal or extraction. In those cases, the nerves are already dead and cannot heal on their own. If an infection is relatively new, the nerves may only be irritated, and may respond to other treatments.

    Pulp Capping

    • When you want to avoid a root canal, your dentist may try pulp capping. He would first remove all decay and infected areas, and then sterilize the area, stopping any bleeding and placing an appropriate filling over it. When they are done well and in the right situation, pulp caps have a very good chance of working for a long time. Pulp caps are appropriate for those teeth in the in-between stage where the nerve is irritated but still alive and healthy enough to repair itself given a reasonable chance.

    Extraction

    • The final alternative is extraction, or pulling the tooth completely. This is a less expensive treatment than a root canal, but it has its own drawbacks. An artificial tooth can never completely replace your natural tooth, and can sometimes cause you to avoid certain foods due to temperature or texture. And while extraction may be cheap, dentures can be expensive. Be sure to consider all the implications before opting to have a tooth pulled, because while it may be cheaper in the short-term, you may pay for it in the end.

    A Second Opinion

    • As a patient, you are entitled to a second opinion. If the diagnosis is not certain or you have any doubts about your dentist's competence, trustworthiness or openness to all potential alternative treatments, seek out another opinion. You can ask to be referred to an endodontist, a specialist in diseases of the teeth roots. The decision of whether to get a root canal is an important one, and you need to be able to trust your dental care provider.

    Future Alternatives

    • Researchers around the world are working on new potential treatments that may provide patients with more alternatives, as well as better results and less pain than current procedures. Current research includes work with a pulsed plasma dental probe, operating microscopes and ultrasonic hand held instruments.

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