Do you have other options? – Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment
When is RCT indicated? – Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment, or RCT, is one of the most common dental treatments that help relieve pain. When the tooth damage is so extensive that it reaches the center of the tooth, it causes immense pain and discomfort. RCT is the procedure done to relieve this pain, and it is also done in cases where saving the tooth otherwise is not possible. At Advanced Dental Clinic East Delhi, we often get this query what my Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment are?
If you have a similar question, hold on; in the information provided below, we will briefly address the alternative options for root canal treatment. Our experts decide the exact treatment choice at Advanced Dental Clinic East Delhi after carefully examining your case clinically and radiographically.
What are your other options? – Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment
Pulp capping
Pulp capping is a standard alternative to root canal treatment. The material of choice is calcium hydroxide which prevents severe damage to the pulp, thereby preventing root canal treatment. The material used for pulp capping forms a mechanical barrier over the pulp to avoid the ingress of the bacteria. The calcium released from the capping material also helps in the formation of the second protective layer of the tooth, called Dentin. The dentin formed also helps protect the pulp and eliminates the need for root canal treatment. The latest material used is MTA or mineral trioxide aggregate, which creates a mineral barrier and works similarly to calcium hydroxide in protecting the pulp.
Pulp capping is of two types- direct and indirect pulp capping. Direct pulp capping is the one where the material is placed over the exposed nerves and vessels. In indirect pulp capping, the material is placed over the pulp when the clinician feels that the pulp is near and can be exposed while doing the regular dental fillings. The exact choice of pulp capping is made after careful clinical and radiological examination of your case.
Pulpotomy
Pulpotomy or partial root canal treatment removes half of the pulp. The infected portion of the pulp is removed, and the portion in the unaffected root canal space is left. This is generally indicated in young children where the root formation is incomplete, and the portion of the pulp left helps in the root growth.
Now the question comes if it can be done in adults. Yes, it can be done, but it is limited to only emergency cases where opening the chamber and cleaning the coronal half are done to relieve pain before the actual root canal treatment.
Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction is the procedure done to remove the tooth entirely from its socket and is saved as a last resort. We only suggest tooth extraction once we feel the natural tooth can be saved by root canal treatment and other adjunctive procedures. The tooth extraction is followed by replacing the tooth with an artificial tooth.