Root canal treatment to preserve a tooth: An affordable, conservative alternative to extraction

Root canal treatment is often characterized as an alternative to tooth extraction. By partnering with Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, your treatment is in exceptional hands. As endodontists, Dr. Rick Schwartz, Dr. Rick Davis, and Dr. Zac Liang specialize in treating injuries and conditions that damage the pulp tissue inside the teeth. 

Treatments available at our specialty center include nonsurgical root canal therapy. Other dentists from South Texas and beyond turn to us for our expertise in additional procedures, such as root canal retreatment and endodontic surgery. Every effort is made to preserve your damaged tooth. 

Preservation vs extraction

Root canal therapy has a high rate of success. With good care at home and ongoing professional dental care, no further treatment is needed, and tooth extraction or removal can be avoided. 

With the exception of “wisdom teeth,” preserving teeth with restorative dental treatments is generally advised. Depending on the nature of the damage to your tooth, treatment with a filling or crown may be sufficient. However, root canal therapy may be recommended when the dental pulp is damaged. This treatment removes the inflamed or infected pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This process gives your tooth a second chance. 

Root canal therapy is primarily considered to be an attractive alternative to extraction because it is:

• Well-tolerated with anesthetic applied gently and slowly
• Effective at relieving pain and other distressing symptoms
• Conservative treatment preserves the “best” type of tooth – your natural one!
• Fast, can usually be completed in one visit
• A proven way to restore the strength, appearance, function, and health of a badly damaged tooth
• Economical, avoids tooth replacement (such as bridges or implants) which often costs 2-3 times more
• Easy to maintain – simply care for the treated tooth like any other tooth with consistent and good brushing and flossing and professional care at your dentist’s office

Preservation of the tooth also supports sustained oral and overall health. Tooth loss generally promotes bone loss. Without stimulation from the teeth, the bone in the jaw can deteriorate or be resorbed. This process affects facial structure, hastens visible signs of aging, and interferes with healthy, efficient chewing and other functions. It also puts more stress on your remaining teeth which must bear additional load, making them more susceptible to cracking and other problems.

There are many benefits associated with preserving and restoring decayed or traumatized teeth. Trust your treatment to the specialists at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio. Our team in South TX welcomes your questions. Contact us at (210) 405-0473.