Nobody wants a root canal. But if a dentist has told you after a check-up and an X-ray that you need a root canal, then the chances of avoiding it are slim.
That is, unless you opt for a tooth extraction instead – and in all honesty, you should do everything you can to preserve and sustain your natural teeth.
What you need to know in a snapshot:
- Yes, root canals can often be avoided — but only if problems are caught early.
- Preventive care and early detection can eliminate the need for more serious treatment later by treating decay with fillings.
- Root canal treatment is highly successful and allows you to keep your natural tooth.
- Extraction should be a last resort, and will usually require additional work to replace the lost tooth.
Avoiding a root canal is possible mainly through prevention alone, but if the damage has already been done, there’s nothing you can do to turn back the clock.
Read on to explore the opportunities where root canals can be prevented, the alternatives available to you and how common they really are.
Preventing a root canal:
Preventive measures:
- Regular check-ups: Helps detect decay before it reaches the nerve
- Early cavity treatment: Prevents decay from spreading to the pulp
- Daily brushing & flossing: Reduces the chance of deep decay
- Use of fluoride toothpaste: Strengthens enamel and prevents cavities
How common are root canal procedures?
- 15% of people who avoid root canals due to fear
- Up to 70% of those referred for extraction despite the teeth being salvageable
- Around 25 million global root canal procedures per year
Alternative treatments
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Root canal vs tooth extraction
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When is too late, too late?
Chances are, if you’re Googling “can you avoid a root canal”, then you’re likely suffering from the deep stages of dental decay, or have been told by a dentist you need one.
We understand that no one wants to undergo a root canal procedure, as there’s the fear of pain or the worry of cost, which is why most people decide to extract the tooth rather than save it.
But extraction should always be a last resort, especially as many oral health consequences follow when you have a missing tooth.
The best course of action is not to avoid the root canal procedure altogether, but to have the procedure carried out by a specialist dental clinic, like Neyo Dental, where the chances of saving the tooth are that much higher.
If it’s too late for preventative measures, then we can help guide you through the root canal process and make it as seamless as possible. We can save your smile!
