If you go to the dentist to get a cavity filled, there is always a chance that your dentist may suggest getting a root canal. This can happen if the dentist finds that the decay is located very close to the roots of your tooth. When decay gets into the roots, a root canal procedure will be necessary if you want to save the tooth. There is a chance, though, that the dentist might be able to save the tooth without performing a root canal, and this method involves using a bonding material to close off the path from the nerves to the roots of the tooth.

When is this an option?

When a dentist is filling a cavity and finds that the decay is very deep, the dentist may be able to use this method to avoid a root canal if the decay has not yet touched the roots of the tooth. If the decay is deep, it is likely that it has affected some of the nerves inside the tooth. If the decay has only affected the nerves and not the roots, this alternative method might work.

What does this method involve?

This method of fixing and saving a tooth is done by cleaning out the nerves affected by decay. After that is complete, the dentist will apply a bonding agent to the nerve. This agent is similar to a plastic material, and its purpose is to completely close off the nerve. If the nerve is closed off, decay and bacteria will not be able to enter through it, and this could prevent the roots of the tooth from getting infected. This process is called pulp capping, and it is a relatively new concept in dentistry.

What are the pros and cons of this method?

The main benefit of this procedure is that it eliminates the need for a root canal, which can be extremely costly. The other benefit is that it could reduce the sensitivity a tooth has to hot and cold foods and beverages.

The downside to this is that it is not always effective. When a dentist performs this, there is always a chance that there may be a small amount of bacteria in the roots of the tooth already. If this occurs, the bacteria can continue to grow and end up forming an infection in the roots. If this happens, you would need to have a root canal to fix the problem.

For more information, contact Kingsgate Dental Clinic or a similar location.