A Non-Surgical Way to Remove Infected Dental Tissue
Root canal therapy is one of the most common treatments for tooth decay, but involves surgery, which can be scary for some patients. However, non-surgical root canal treatment is a painless and effective alternative to traditional root canal treatment.
To learn more about this non-surgical alternative, keep reading our guide to get a better understanding of the treatment works. You can also contact our dentist in Wasilla at (907) 373-2440 to schedule an appointment.
What Is Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment?
Non-surgical root canal treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that treats tooth decay. Unlike traditional root canal treatment, which involves surgery, non-surgical root canal treatment is performed without making any incisions or cuts. Instead, your dentist uses special tools to remove the infected pulp from the tooth, clean the root canals, and fill them with a special material.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment
Non-surgical root canal treatment offers several benefits over traditional root canal treatment, including:
- Painless Procedure: Non-surgical root canal treatment isn’t painful and typically requires only a local anesthetic. Patients won’t feel pain during the procedure and will experience little to no discomfort afterward.
- Quick Recovery: Because non-surgical root canal treatment is a minimally invasive procedure, patients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
- Effective Treatment: Non-surgical root canal treatment is just as effective as traditional root canal treatment at treating tooth decay. It has a high success rate and can save a tooth from being extracted.
Candidacy for Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment
Non-surgical root canal treatment is typically recommended for patients whose tooth decay is not too advanced. If the tooth decay has progressed too far, your dentist may recommend traditional root canal treatment or other dental procedures.
The Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment Procedure
The non-surgical root canal treatment procedure typically takes about one hour in a dental office. Here’s what to expect during the procedure:
- Numbing the Area: The dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth using a local anesthetic.
- Accessing the Pulp: They’ll use a special tool (usually a dental drill) to make a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp.
- Removing the Infected Pulp: Your dentist will use small, flexible files to remove the infected pulp from the tooth and root canals.
- Cleaning the Root Canals: Once the infected pulp is removed, the dentist will clean the root canals using special tools. The root canals will be irrigated with a disinfectant solution to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
- Filling the Root Canals: Then, your dentist will fill the root canals with a special material, gutta-percha, to prevent further infection.
- Sealing the Tooth: Finally, the dentist will seal the tooth with a filling or crown to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth.
Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment Aftercare
After non-surgical root canal treatment, patients can usually resume their normal activities immediately. However, it’s crucial to follow the dentist’s instructions for the care and maintenance of the treated tooth, which may include:
- Avoiding hard or crunchy foods for a few days after treatment
- Taking pain medication as prescribed by the dentist
- Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly
- Schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist
Frequently Asked Questions
Non-surgical root canal treatment is typically not painful as it only requires a local anesthetic. Patients may feel slight discomfort or pressure during the procedure.
Non-surgical root canal treatment usually takes about an hour to complete. The duration of the procedure may vary depending on the case’s complexity and the number of canals that need treatment.
Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover non-surgical root canal treatment. However, it’s best to confirm coverage with your insurance provider. Insurance coverage may vary depending on the specifics of your plan and the severity of the case.
Treat Infected Root Canals Without Surgical Intervention
Non-surgical root canal treatment is a viable alternative to traditional root canal treatment. It offers several benefits, including a quicker recovery time, less downtime, and a higher success rate. Schedule a consultation by calling (907) 373-2440 to see if non-surgical root canal treatment is right for you. With proper aftercare, you can enjoy a healthy, pain-free smile for years to come.