When a tooth’s pulp is infected, decayed, or damaged, dentists usually recommend root canal treatment. This involves removing the damaged pulp inside the center of the tooth, cleaning the area thoroughly, and then filling it with a special material that prevents future damage. Due to the negative reputation that root canal therapy has, many patients resist the idea of getting treatment and wonder if there are any alternatives.

If there is an infection present in the tooth, the dentist may first try treating it with antibiotics. A root canal may no longer be needed if the infection clears. However, it takes some time for the medicine to work and the patient may be in a lot of pain, so painkillers might be warranted in the meantime.

If the damaged area is not near the nerves and pain is not a major issue, the dentist might decide to clean the decay out and then fill the space with a medicated filling or sedative. This would provide a temporary filling and after about a month, it would be removed and replaced with a permanent filling once the dentist is sure this type of treatment is sufficient.

Another choice is extraction of the damaged tooth, but most dentists avoid this when possible. Usually, root canal treatment is preferred over extraction. If a tooth is removed, then the dentist will probably advise a restoration such as dental implants or a bridge. Having a root canal is no longer as painful or scary as it used to be, as many patients say it’s similar to getting a regular filling. If the dentist recommends root canal treatment, it’s usually best to follow that recommendation for permanent and complete recovery.

If you need a root canal and you live in the Toronto area, contact our office for a consultation.