Is there an alternative to root canal treatment for patients in Fort Worth, TX?

When patients hear about root canal treatment, they often dread the idea of a painful procedure. However, patients in the Fort Worth, TX area who are advised that they may need a root canal often do not know what to expect. In fact, it is pain and discomfort that brings patients to Sycamore Dental for treatment to relieve the pain with this exact procedure. Many patients may be candidates for root canal treatment, as there truly is no alternative procedure that can save a tooth.

Understanding root canal therapy

While a “root canal” is often associated with pain, this procedure is the one that ELIMINATES pain. This is because an infection, large cavity, or abscess may have caused a problem with the dental pulp, which is the mass of tissues inside of the tooth. During root canal therapy, or “endodontic therapy,” the dentist accesses the inner portion of the tooth to remove the dental pulp and to seal the tooth so that it can remain in place.

Is there an alternative to root canal treatment in Fort Worth, TX?

There is no other procedure that can be used as an alternative to root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is the last resort treatment that can be performed to avoid extraction. If a root canal procedure fails, extraction is the only option available, and requires patients to consider tooth replacement options including:

• Dentures
• Dental bridges
• Dental implants

How do I know if I need root canal therapy?

Dr. Vidya Suri will educate patients on the condition they have present and help patients in deciding if they can benefit from root canal therapy. Abscesses may result in the need for treatment, as well as cavities that have gone deep into the tooth and infected the dental pulp. Injury and trauma to the tooth that is beyond repair may benefit from this procedure as well. The best way to determine if root canal therapy can be an effective treatment is to evaluate the smile. This may include a physical evaluation from our dentist as well as x-rays to check the health of the teeth where it cannot be seen with the naked eye. When patients are advised that a root canal procedure can be helpful, they then learn about the process.

First, patients are properly anesthetized, and sedated if needed, to ensure they are comfortable before the procedure begins. Second, the dentist will access the inner portion of the tooth by creating a very small hole with a special instrument. The dentist uses this hole as an access point into the tooth to remove the dental pulp and disinfect the inner canals. Gutta percha and composite resin are used to fill the tooth and seal it to protect it from bacteria entering this area. In many cases, the dentist may recommend the placement of a dental crown if it appears that the tooth may become weak and brittle and can benefit from an extra layer of protection and strength against everyday biting and chewing forces.

What if I choose not to move forward with root canal treatment?

Because there is no alternative to root canal therapy, it is important for patients to understand that if they choose not to have the procedure done, their only other option is extraction, which comes with added costs and concerns. We educate patients on the advantages of root canal therapy, so they can make an educated decision regarding how to proceed with the treatment of their smile.

Schedule a visit at Sycamore Dental today!

Patients in the area of Fort Worth, TX ^⤴ who are interested in learning more about root canal therapy are welcome to book an appointment with Dr. Vidya Suri and her team at [address] by calling (817) 438-1828. We encourage patients to learn about their oral health and wellness, and how to achieve and maintain a smile that will last a lifetime! Dr. Vidya Suri and the staff provide general, cosmetic, and restorative services to patients in and around the community.