Are there different types of root canal therapies? Root canal can develop inside a tooth, more specifically in the pulp, and is a sign of severe infection. The nerves inside the pulp provide feeling to the tooth. When infected, the teeth loose all sensation. To prevent tooth loss, dentists recommend root canal treatment where an endodontist extracts the infected pulp from the tooth and seals it shut.
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A dentist’s root canal treatment is often the last resort, and they will recommend other therapies instead of this serious procedure.
Different Types of Root Canal Therapies
A root canal sounds more painful than it actually is. People aren’t likely to want an endodontist to dig inside their mouth to and remove the infected pulp, and so they search for non-surgical procedures to deal with a root canal. Here are some of the different types of root canal therapies that dentists and endodontists recommend:
Non-surgical Treatment
This is a typical way of removing damaged nerve tissue. If your tooth is decaying but a filling can’t save it, your endodontist will recommend a non-surgical root canal treatment. This procedure reaches your infected nerves more easily than other methods.
Apicoectomy
If the nonsurgical treatment isn’t successful, then the dentist will recommend an apicoectomy. When the inflammation and infection remains in the alveolar bone and teeth, it can cause extreme pain.
During the procedure, the endodontist will inject anesthesia to numb the area and remove the tip of the root to fill it with protective material. You can leave soon after the surgery, and still go about your day-to-day tasks. After a few months, the root of the tooth will fully heal leaving you with fresh and healthy teeth again.
Pulp Capping
A dentist may suggest direct pulp capping as the first alternative for a root canal. Opting for this procedure is better than delaying the procedure and losing the tooth entirely. When the pulp is exposed to infection or damage, pulp capping is the correct choice.
In this procedure, a dentist will apply a material right on top of the exposed pulp. The ideal materials used for pulp capping include calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate. The dentist will cast the mineral coating over the fragile pulp, promoting tissue and nerve repair while protecting it from other bacteria. After this, the tooth gets filled.
However, we wouldn’t recommend for those with tooth decay or inflammation. Direct pulp capping only works with minimal exposure to the pulp, and is most effective for younger people.
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Pulpotomy
Pulpotomy is a treatment where an endodontist removes the pulp entirely. Similar to pulp capping, this procedure can only happen when there isn’t an infection or severe tooth decay.
It’s important to remember that pulpotomy is different than pulpectomy. Their fundamental difference is that the root canals and nerves won’t be removed in a pulpotomy, unlike in a pulpectomy, where the they will extract the entire pulp.
In pulpotomy, the damaged pulp is extracted, and material is placed inside the tooth to prevent harmful bacteria from entering. The recommended materials for this would be calcium hydroxide and formocresol.
However, if there’s an infection or irreparable damage to the pulp, then the dentist will advise a pulpectomy or tooth extraction. Typically, this procedure is for when there’s minimal damage and little to no decay.
Different Types of Root Canal Therapies: Bottom Line
If you are reluctant to get root canal treatment, these are some of the alternatives you can choose. However, yearly checkups with your dentist will help you recognize any issues you have with your oral health. Dr. Young Bui, DDS, at Bryant Park Endodontics, has years of expertise and provides different types of root canal treatments depending on your specific needs.
Contact us today to book an appointment.
BRYANT PARK ENDODONTICS
Young Bui DDS
30 East 40th Street
Suite 1201
New York, NY 10016