You had your toothache checked by a dentist, and you’ve been told that you need a root canal. From what you hear about the procedure and how painful it is, there’s no way you can imagine yourself going through it. Perhaps now you’re asking yourself if there are less painful alternatives to root canal. Let the information below enlighten you if you are seriously considering this route.
■ Aside from root canal, are there other effective remedies to toothache?
Yes there are alternatives to root canal, but they are often drastic. Tooth extraction, for instance, leaves a gap in the gum line, which is far more disadvantageous than a root canal. With a root canal, a decayed tooth doesn’t have to be removed. The dentist will simply create an opening in the tooth to reach the infected pulp in the inner layer. Once the pain-causing pulp is removed and the inner tooth is disinfected, the affected tooth can be restored back to its healthy state, with its form and function intact.
■ Why must people not be afraid of a root canal and the myth of its pain level?
Root canal doesn’t cause pain, but relieves it. True, the procedure can be uncomfortable as it requires drilling into the tooth, but once the root canal done, you can kiss your toothache goodbye once and for all. The truth is, root canal done by a good dentist is no more painful than having a tooth filled.
■ If you are okay with losing your natural teeth, should you just go for an extraction instead?
You can always choose extraction, just be sure to have the gap filled as soon as possible with a tooth replacement such as a bridge, implant or denture. Otherwise, the position of other teeth in the jaw will shift and lead to an irregular bite.
■ If you opt for a replacement, what are the major differences?
Dentures are artificial teeth and can never replace the form and function of actual teeth. Implants and bridges work like natural teeth, but they are a much pricier alternative to root canal. Given these disadvantages, a root canal is almost always the preferred solution to tooth decay.
Sources:
Are there alternatives to a root canal?, sharecare.com
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