Albuquerque, NM Dentist Reports: Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy

Negative thoughts always seem to surround root canals. More often than not, patients insist the doctor find a different solution to resolving their dental ailment. While root canal therapy isn’t an uncomfortable procedure, most people have negative connotations associated with the procedure—frequently due to stories they’ve heard.

Regardless, if the patient requests an alternative, then we will do everything we can to fulfill your wishes. For this reason, Dr. Mark Miller, your Albuquerque, NM dentist offers his patients a few substitutions to root canal therapy.

Sometimes a Root Canal Alternative is Also Effective

• Medication. Most of the time, a patient requires a root canal due to an infection within the pulp. However, in some instances, the infection may take quite well to an antibiotic regimen. Thus, negating the need for root canal therapy.
  On the other hand, should the antibiotic prove ineffective, the root canal will still have to take place. For this reason, if a dentist believes a patient requires a root canal, then the procedure is usually completed.
• Sedative filling. Occasionally, when a dentist is removing decay in preparation for a filling, he or she may find that the decay is near the pulp of the tooth. When this happens, the dentist recommends a root canal. However, an alternative solution is using a sedative filling.
  This type of filling is medicated and temporarily placed after the decay has been removed from the affected tooth. This can prevent any nerve pain that would deem a root canal necessary. Your Albuquerque, NM dentist would replace the sedative filling a month later with the permanent one.
• Extraction. Unfortunately, some patients would prefer to have their tooth extracted once the subject of root canals comes up. Extraction is also not the initial recommendation a dentist will give a patient, since they wish to save as many teeth as possible. Should you opt for extraction instead, it’s highly advised to find a tooth replacement option right away; your choices can range from dental bridges to dental implants.

Snow Park Dental Has Excellent Root Canal Therapy Options

If you think you may require a root canal, visit your Albuquerque, NM dentist to discuss treatment options. Dr. Miller may have an alternative solution available for you in his dental practice. To schedule an appointment, call us at (505) 596-4479. Also, visit our website to view the smile gallery, print patient forms, and read reviews from loyal patients. We look forward to treating families from Rio Rancho, Corrales, Edgewood, Tijeras, Los Lunas, and surrounding communities.

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