The Root Canal Controversy

Understanding the Root Canal Procedure

History: Root canals have become a controversial method of dental treatment. This is a situation that has existed since the 1^st century AD. This is the age where evidence can be adduced about the occurrence of teeth draining. The process was quite painful then and continued this way until 1756. It is at this time when Philip Pfaff began root canal fillings using gold.

Root canal defined

This is a treatment meant to save badly infected and damaged teeth through repair. Root canal procedures entail eliminating a tooth area that is damaged i.e. pulp, disinfecting, and cleaning the area prior to filling it and sealing it. Some of the common reasons why the pulp gets infected include cracked teeth, deep cavities, trauma, or frequent dental treatment targeted at a specific tooth. Root canal is a term derived from cleaning the canal in the root region of a tooth.

Root canal procedure

Prior to getting a root canal procedure make sure you consult a dentist. The steps involved include:

An X-ray: Whenever a dentist considers that a patient needs a root canal they examine an existing X-ray or take one to identify the region where the decay is situated.

Anesthesia: Some local anesthesia is used on the tooth affected. Many people are unaware that root canals are not any more painful than fillings.

Fillings: The opened root will be filled up with material and later carefully sealed using cement.

Advantages of a root canal

The process can put an end to acute pain. It can also help retain a tooth rather than having it replaced. The alternative helps retain teeth and arch integrity therefore assisting in keeping the other teeth intact inside the mouth.

Disadvantages of a root canal

Blood supply into the tooth will get irreversibly damaged and derailed. This could make the teeth get an infection hence making it weaker. Teeth weakening necessitates placement of crowns in order to hold it together.

Alternatives to root canal

The likely alternatives primarily depend on patient preferences and condition. Issues of immune system and general health influence the choice of an alternative. In cases where a patient does not have systemic issues and are in good health, having a root canal will be the most credible choice. Where general health is not present and there are immune problems it is advisable to avoid a root canal. Some possible alternatives include:

Fixed bridge

A root canal can be substituted with fixed bridges. Fixed bridges are composed of a false tooth and two crowns fitted in the mid area where there is a gap. The bridges could be made from materials that are non-metallic to enhance safety.

Maryland bridge

Where most of the teeth are in good health, it is not advisable to have the tooth structure damaged so as to get a root canal treatment. A Maryland bridge is an incredible alternative for such a situation. The treatment is first of all noninvasive and it entails reducing your teeth from one side and thereafter inserting the bridge.

Implants

Another option for the treatment of the root canal is through complete replacement of the tooth with another implant tooth. The new tooth is modeled to resemble the replaced tooth perfectly.