Root canal treatment can be necessary when your tooth becomes infected or damaged beyond repair, but there are times when it’s not necessary or the dentist doesn’t provide you with an alternative choice. Here are five alternatives to root canal treatment that your dentist may recommend as an alternative to root canal treatment.
#1 Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots designed to support replacement teeth. The implant is placed into your jawbone and serves as a sturdy anchor for dental crowns. They are usually used when at least one tooth in a specific area has been lost, but other missing teeth or underlying issues, such as bone damage from periodontal disease, may also require dental implants. If you’re in severe pain, an emergency root canal treatment may be needed—but fortunately there are alternatives out there.
#2 Bonding
Bonding is a technique that doesn’t just numb pain, but also actually repairs and rebuilds damaged teeth. It’s especially good for patients who suffer from sensitivity. With bonding, your dentist sands down your tooth, paints it with a light-sensitive material, then hardens it with high-intensity light. The hardened layer gives you a stronger tooth that resists chipping and cracking—and causes less pain than other types of fillings when you bite into something crunchy or cold. You might have to go through some sensitivity after treatment (depending on how sensitive your teeth are), but overall most people see dramatic improvement in their smile after bonding.
#3 Tooth Colored Fillings
If you’re facing a root canal, do everything in your power to avoid it. For some patients, however, it may be too late. In those cases, an emergency root canal is necessary—or so you think. If you’re in enough pain and facing serious issues like tooth discoloration or decay beneath a filling, there’s another option: a tooth-colored filling called composites (alternatively referred to as composite resin). This material is used by cosmetic dentists because of its natural aesthetic appearance and can be placed quickly during an emergency. Often times they are stronger than your original teeth as well and last longer over time.
#4 Crowns & Bridges
If you have severely damaged teeth, crowns and bridges can save your smile. A crown is a type of cap that’s fitted onto a tooth and fused with its enamel, while a bridge is fitted onto two adjacent teeth. When it comes to emergency root canal treatment, restorations like these can make your smile look almost as good as new—but without risking infection or further damage. If you’re looking for an alternative treatment for damaged teeth that’s fast, painless, and effective, consider talking with your dentist about whether one of these options might be right for you.
#5 Laser Dentistry
If you’re in need of a root canal but don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry. Laser dentistry may be your best option for removing infected teeth and saving money on dental procedures. If you can spare time away from work and are in good health, laser surgery is a viable option. This procedure uses concentrated energy to burn out decay that is within your tooth without damaging any surrounding tissue or nerves. While still expensive, most people will save money over traditional root canal treatment costs by opting for laser treatments, which require far less time off from work.
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