Root Canal Alternatives
Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is a surgical treatment option for teeth with persistent infections after root canal therapy or a hidden root canal anatomy that wasn’t treated during the initial root canal. During the dental procedure, your dentist will remove any infected tissue to prevent further infection. An apicoectomy may be recommended in cases where retreatment of the root canal therapy is not possible or is unlikely to be successful.
Pulp Capping
Pulp capping is typically used when the dental pulp or root cavity has been exposed but has not yet become infected. Your dentist will place a medicated material over the exposed pulp in an attempt to stimulate the growth of new dentin and protect the healthy pulp from further damage or infection. This treatment can be an effective alternative to root canal treatment for some patients, particularly those with less extensive damage to the tooth.
Tooth Extractions
Another alternative treatment is tooth extraction. This procedure involves removing the affected tooth entirely. While tooth extraction may seem extreme, it can be an effective treatment option for dental infections.
After tooth extraction, your dentist may recommend tooth replacement options such as a dental bridge or a dental implant.
Regenerative Endodontics
Regenerative endodontics is an emerging field in dentistry that focuses on the regeneration of dental tissues, particularly the pulp-dentin complex, to restore the functionality and vitality of damaged or infected teeth. It involves the application of tissue engineering principles and regenerative medicine techniques to promote the natural healing and regeneration of dental pulp, dentin, and other surrounding tissues.
Partial Pulpotomy
For those with severe tooth decay but where the root is still developing, a partial pulpotomy might be appropriate. In this procedure, the decayed part of the dental pulp is removed, and medication is placed to preserve the health of the remaining pulp and stimulate root development.