Root Canal Alternatives

Root Canal Alternatives

A dentist performs root canals for many different reasons:

• tooth abscess
• infection
• traumatic injury
• deep decay
• multiple procedures on the same tooth over time
• major chip/crack on the tooth

Most people are in severe pain before the procedure is complete. And while the pain may subside after the procedure, a traditional root canal may not get rid of all the infection. The infection in the root canal has the potential to spread throughout the roots and cause issues in the body.

Many patients ask us, “Are there alternatives to the “traditional” root canal”.  YES! There are a few options available.

Here at Pure Holistic Dental — a Houston dentistry— we have a CBCT imaging machine, which will show us if there’s a root canal infection hidden in your teeth. From there we can assess which alternative procedure will work best for you.

#1: ZIRCONIA IMPLANT 

Replacement with a Zirconia implant is mostly likely the best option.
It is a permanent option, enables normal chewing so you are not limited to certain foods. It feels just like a tooth!

What is the difference between Zirconia vs Titanium implant?

• Zirconia is 100% metal free implant option, white like teeth, different from a regular metal-Titanium implant as it is a ceramic material, not metal.
• Zirconia is bio-compatible and does not have electrical conductivity impacts, it does not corrode (oxidize).
• Zirconia is a oxide compound made of zirconium and oxygen = ZrO2
• Zirconia is made at high temperatures with the zirconium metal and oxygen chemical reaction

A ceramic dental implant is cutting-edge technology in dentistry offering a longer lasting solution recommended by osteopaths, functional MD’s, chiropractors and naturopaths.

Dr. George will use a FDA implant system based on individual risk factors and sizing needs for each tooth. Her favorite implant brands include:

• Zeramax Zirconia Dental Implants
• Ceraroot Zirconia Dental Implants
• Straumman Zirconia Dental Implants 
• Z-Systems Zirconia Dental Implants

Zirconia implants have been FDA approved in the USA since 2001. They have been in use in Europe for over 20+ years with clinical reviews for the past 30+ years showing zirconia dental implant placement and use. Most dental implant research is only considered relevant for the last 12-15 years and anything older is too different in the engineering of the models/designs/materials and as of 15 years ago, over numerous brands have been FDA approved not he USA market with more brands receiving approval every year (since zirconia dental implant market is quickly growing due to patient demand for metal-free dental implants.

#2: METAL-FREE PARTIAL

This is the most economical option, but doesn’t not allow for the best chewing experience. It is not a permanent option, so the partial will need to be removed at night and cleaning daily.

The partial is made with thermoplastic material, this removable dental option is slightly flexible. There is no metal frame, therefore the appliance is thinner and lighter. Since they are so flexible, they are more durable and less likely to break.

The process for this option is as follows:

• Make a mold of the tooth to be replaced (impressions of upper and lower, as well as the bite, are taken for more accuracy)
• Resin partial is fitted
• Tooth is replaced with removable partial

Immediate fitting partials will need adjustments as healing progresses, but it is important to wear the partial as much as possible. This will ensure the fitting remains and the gums don’t swell. (If impressions were not made before tooth removal, we recommend waiting 6 weeks for healing before a mold is taken for a partial.

#3: BRIDGE

While a bridge might be an option you are presented with, it is typically the most invasive option.

First the dentist must prepare 2 teeth (1 in front and 1 behind the missing tooth) and remove a lot of healthy enamel in order for the bridge to anchor.

As a biological dentist, Dr. George must inform you that enamel is one of the strongest parts of our body. Stronger than bone! Enamel protects our teeth from decay and damage.

#4: BONDED BRIDGE

A bonded bridge can be a used as a aesthetic tooth replacement option. This is a less invasive technique that involves bonding instead of drilling off large amounts of enamel. It can be used for teeth that do not load heavy biting forces, but do not have the space for an implant. These are typically the front teeth.

#5: Biomimetic Fillings

A biomimetic filling is similar to a normal filling but is completed using an advanced technique.  In cases where infection has not yet reached the bone, this technique allows the doctor to restore the tooth structure in the most natural way possible.  The doctor will create a strong, long-lasting restoration by working to layer fillings similar to how your body naturally grows tooth structure.