Having tooth pain or hearing that you need a root canal treatment can be overwhelming and frightening. However, if you have a complete understanding of the treatment and know your alternatives, you can make an educated decision to treat your discomfort and protect your oral health. As a holistic dentist in Chapel Hill, Dr. Mensah offers alternatives for root canal treatment to treat the underlying infection and preserve your oral and overall well-being.
Here, we will explain everything you need to know about the alternatives for root canal therapy, why traditional root canals are often performed, the hidden dangers, and how to protect yourself.
How Is a Root Canal Infection Diagnosed?
If your dentist suspects you have an infected root canal, he or she will order a CBCT, which is a 3D X-ray. This allows the dentist to examine the condition of the canals from several different angles and splices. These images will aid the doctor in determining if there are any signs of an infection.
What Is an Infected Root Canal?
Your teeth have multiple layers. Moving from the outside and looking in, you have the enamel layer, followed by a layer of dentin, and then the soft inner core. The inner core extends into the root. This section of the tooth contains the dental pulp, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
If the soft inner core is decayed or damaged, it can be very painful. Without prompt treatment, the pulp can become infected or even necrotic (dead). An infected root canal occurs when there is inflammation in the root canals, which naturally run through the tooth from the crown to the pulp.
Causes and Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection
An infection in the root canal occurs when bacteria invade the pulp chamber. Common causes of a root canal infection include:
Cracking or chipping a tooth
Fracturing a tooth root
Damaging the tooth pulp, even if the exterior of the tooth is undamaged
Undergoing repeated dental procedures
Experiencing severe tooth decay
It is easy to ignore the first signs of a dental problem until severe tooth pain occurs. However, damage can be present in the absence of pain too. The symptoms of an infected root canal include:
Persistent pain
Red and/or swollen gums
Tooth sensitivity
Loose teeth
A foul taste in your mouth
Tooth or gum tenderness
Swollen glands
Face pain
Pus around the tooth root
Redness in the gums
If you experience any of the symptoms above, schedule an appointment with your dentist for prompt treatment.
Traditional Root Canal Treatment
Why Is Root Canal Therapy Performed?
A traditional root canal treatment is often performed as a restorative or emergency dental procedure. Root canal treatments have been used over the years to treat badly decayed or infected teeth. While these treatments are traditionally done to save the tooth rather than remove it, leaving an infected, decaying tooth in place can actually harm your overall health.
Dangers of a Root Canal Treatment
Here are some of the risks and dangers of a root canal treatment.
The Tooth Is No Longer Viable
Traditional dentists recommend a root canal when decay extends into the dentin or soft tissue of the tooth. The anticipated goal is to save the natural tooth, but really only the outer structure is preserved. The living interior of the tooth, the part that supplies the tooth with nutrients, is removed. The tooth is now dead because that living material has been replaced with a putty-like filling and sealed with a crown or dental restoration.
Bacteria Remains in the Tooth
Root canal therapy removes some bacteria from the original infection or decay. However, it cannot completely eliminate the bacteria because of the intricate canal structure within the tooth. The canals can be hard to find or navigate, which means bacteria are missed. The bacteria are then free to roam through the body, leading to chronic and serious health conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, cancer, and more.
A Secondary Infection Develops
During a traditional root canal, the canals are cleaned and then filled to seal out additional bacteria. However, as noted above, it is impossible to remove 100% of the bacteria in the infected area, so a portion remains inside the tooth. This infected material is cut off from the blood supply, so your immune system cannot respond. Therefore, the infection can fester and grow inside the chamber as it leaks out into the rest of the body, causing full-body inflammation.
Root Canal Alternatives in Chapel Hill
When infection or decay extends into the inner areas of the tooth, a root canal treatment is not the only option. You can speak with a holistic dentist in Chapel Hill to learn how to preserve your oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Mensah and his team will create a custom treatment plan based on your unique needs. Your treatment plan may include one or all of the procedures below.
Tooth Extraction
While it may sound daunting, extracting a tooth is the safest and best option for a root canal infection. When faced with the impending danger of bacteria and pathogens in the mouth and body, removing the tooth is better for your long-term health. A tooth extraction completely removes the tooth and root, including the infected root canal. The surrounding soft tissue is then debrided to remove any lingering bacteria.
Ozone Therapy
Dental ozone is a therapeutic treatment that removes pathogens, restores proper oxygen metabolism, increases blood circulation, and creates a healthier oral environment. Following a tooth extraction, the dentist uses dental ozone to disinfect the treatment site.
PRF Grafting
Once the tooth has been extracted and disinfected, PRF grafting may be the next step. Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) speeds wound healing. This material is extremely beneficial and safe because it is made from the patient’s own blood. The patient’s blood is taken and spun down into a serum with white blood cells. The fibrin is full of regenerative growth factors to improve healing and decrease the rate of infection.
Metal-Free Dental Implants
Replacing an extracted tooth restores the balance of your oral cavity. It improves the function and aesthetic of your smile. Metal-free dental implants use a biocompatible zirconia post to replace the tooth root. Since implants are placed in the jaw, they provide unparalleled strength and durability and can last a lifetime. The implant is topped with a dental crown to restore the overall tooth structure and complete your smile.
Find Holistic Alternatives for Root Canal Therapy in Chapel Hill, NC
We now know that it is impossible to completely remove bacteria from the intricate root canals and tubules. Letting bacteria or an infected root canal linger in your mouth can have serious consequences on your overall health. At Integrative Holistic Dentistry, we provide holistic alternatives for root canal treatment in Chapel Hill, NC. Your oral and overall well-being are our priorities!
Take a natural approach to dental care and protect your health and wellness. Contact us today to learn more!