When a tooth has decayed so much that it cannot be repaired and extraction seems the only option, it may be time to turn to root canal treatment – a last-ditch, final-hope method of saving a tooth. This process removes remaining pulp and nerves along with decay and bacteria and replaces them with special dental materials that return the tooth to normal function without the pain, infection and other problems that it previously had.
Non-toxic, biocompatible dentists are divided on whether this method of saving a tooth is a good idea, but you can be sure that San Diego Dentist Association dentists will help you understand the pros and cons of any restoration you may be considering and help you decide if root canal therapy is right for you and your damaged tooth.
As far back as 2,000 years ago or more, medical men and women knew that they could sometimes lessen pain in a tooth by drilling a hole in it to allow it to drain. The first instance of root canal treatment, however, was offered in 1756 by Phillip Pfaff. He put gold inside painful teeth to restore them. By the 1950s and 1960s, the method had progressed to the point that root canals had a success rate of up to 80 percent. Dentists realized that in many cases, a root canal could save a tooth that could not otherwise be saved. In 1963, the field of endodontics was developed to focus on root canal therapy.
Root Canal Treatment: The Pros And Cons
Root canal treatment is popular because it’s often the only option for a heavily decayed or damaged tooth. It’s a good choice because it:
- Gets rid of pain
- Allows you to keep your tooth
- Prevents teeth from spreading.
If you have an extraction instead, you could experience problems eating and talking. Surrounding teeth could even begin to move apart, causing your problems with biting and chewing. Bone loss is likely over time as well.
Root canal treatment has its downsides, however. Since there is no longer a blood supply to the tooth, infection is possible. It can also lose its structural integrity and begin to degrade. In many cases, a crown is necessary to cover the hole made by the root canal procedure and maintain the integrity of the tooth. For those with compromised immune systems, additional problems are possible.
Alternatives To Root Canals
If you’re considering root canal therapy, you must take into account your overall health and the risk of complications. For some, a root canal is a bad idea. A biocompatible root canal may be possible, bringing with it reduced risks now and in the future. Some dentists don’t offer this option, however.
Another possibility is extraction of the tooth to get rid of infection. If the tooth is a back molar or wisdom tooth, this may be the simplest and best solution. It’s a decision you must make for yourself in consultation with your dentist.
If a tooth in a visible or important functional location extracted, a fixed bridge could be the right treatment option for you, but this option requires placing crowns on the teeth on each side of the missing tooth, and that’s not necessarily desirable unless those teeth need crowns anyway. A partial or removable bridge could work also.
Another possibility is a safe, small, modern dental implant. This surgical procedure is not possible for everyone, however.
To discuss root canal treatment and other methods of saving or replacing damaged or decayed teeth, reach out to an SDDA dentist now. These caring professionals have a choice that’s right for you, no matter your situation. You deserve the very best treatment available in your circumstances.
To find out if root canal treatment is best for you, call (619) 745-6870