root canal alternative

[Jameson]

Hi

I have a throbbing tooth that has been hurting for two days now. I went to see my own dentist and he suggested that the tooth needs to have root canal filling. I know in the past whenever I have heard people talk about root canal fillings, its always been very negative.

My dentist says that my only root canal alternative is to have the tooth removed. I wonder if there is a way to treat the infection with strong antibiotics and leave the tooth as it without having root canal treatment.

My worry is that I will suffer pain during and after root canal treatment. I don't tolerate pain very well and I am worried that I will not be able to have the treatment done. Are there any alternatives to root canal?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Thank you for your post. Unfortunately other than tooth extraction there are no alternatives to root canal treatment. Antibiotics might provide short term pain relief but they are not the right treatment for a tooth that has pulpitis.

With modern local anaesthetics, your root canal treatment should be painless and should you wish, you could always have IV sedation too to help reduce any anxieties that you have regarding root canal.