If you have a tooth that is severely inflamed or infected, a conventional dentist would typically recommend a root canal. This process involves removing the infected pulp within the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and sealing it to prevent further infection. 

A root canal can temporarily fix pain or discomfort in the infected tooth, however, it does not come without risks, and is not a guaranteed long-term solution. 

At Bloom Holistic Dental, we take into consideration your whole-body health when addressing oral issues. We are proud to offer alternatives to root canals that support greater oral health. In this article, we’ll be going over the risks of root canals, and what your other options are. 

The Root Canal Procedure

A conventional dentist will recommend a root canal procedure for severe infection or inflammation of a tooth. This infection happens due to severe tooth decay from untreated cavities, tooth trauma, cracks and fractures, and repeated dental work. While the goal of a root canal is to save the natural tooth, many recipients of this procedure find that it leaves them with more issues than they started with. 

The root canal procedure involves the infected pulp of the tooth. This “pulp” contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Thus, by removing all of this, there is essentially a “dead” tooth remaining in the mouth. 

In every medical specialty, dead tissue is removed from the body. However, in conventional dentistry, in regards to a root canal, this dead tissue remains and is re-established in the mouth. Leaving a non-vital tooth in the mouth can lead to its own health issues, such as further inflammation, infection, and additional concerns in some patients.

Our Holistic Dental Process In Treating Your Teeth

The good news is whether you’ve already had a root canal that is giving you issues, or you’ve been recommended one, we have solutions. We offer options for patients who:

• Have a root canal tooth that is infected or causing issues
• Have been recommended a root canal and want a different option
• Want to prevent needing a root canal and stop the damage in its tracks

It’s important to know that just because you’ve had a root canal done, that doesn’t automatically mean the tooth needs removed. Depending on the current state and level of infection and disease present, the root canal treated tooth may or may not need to be extracted. To assess this, we use a 3D X-Ray (CBCT) to accurately diagnose any signs of infection or disease. Our evaluation process also includes a clinical exam where we thoroughly assess your history and symptoms. 

Root Canal Alternatives & Treatment of Root Canal Infected Teeth

If you have an infected root canal tooth, extraction isn’t the first solution we jump to. 

Ozone Therapy

Depending on the level of severity of the infection, ozone treatment may be effective enough on its own to mitigate and eliminate the infection. Ozone therapy utilizes O3 molecules, otherwise known as ozone, as a powerful disinfectant and immune system-stimulating option to promote your body’s own healing. Ozone is naturally occurring in the environment and our bodies, making it a non-toxic and low risk form of healing. To learn more, visit our page on ozone therapy here.

Extraction & Replacement

In certain cases, extraction of a root canal treated tooth is the most effective treatment for removing infection and preventing it in the future. As a holistic dentist in New Jersey, our process of biological tooth extraction promotes optimal wellness and healing by removing the infection. This process includes an atraumatic extraction, removal of the Periodontal Ligament, debridement, ozone gas & water, and Platelet-Rich Fibrinogen.

We offer a few different options for tooth replacement after an extraction. 

Zirconia Implant & Crown: After an extraction, a Zirconia implant, also known as a ceramic implant, can be placed. Implants can be placed at time of extraction, unless there is profound infection and bone loss.

Bridge: A bridge can be done after extraction in order to “replace” the missing tooth. The two adjacent teeth will be used as supports.

Removable Partial Denture: After extraction, a patient may opt for a removable partial denture as a replacement.

Root Canal Prevention Procedure

Depending on the level of infection and symptoms associated, a procedure can be done to try to prevent a tooth from needing root canal treatment. This procedure entails removing all decay, using ozone, placing a sealer and a liner, and placing the final filling.

Looking For Root Canal Treatment Alternatives in New Jersey?

Whether you’ve had a root canal that’s now infected, or are looking for an alternative to one - we have solutions for you at Bloom Holistic Dental. Our approach as a holistic dentist in New Jersey offers whole-body consideration when dealing with oral health concerns. To learn more about becoming a patient, visit us on our new patient page. We hope to hear from you, and