Root canal therapy (RCT) is a time-tested, safe, and effective way to save teeth that have been badly damaged by trauma, decay, or infections, helping patients avoid tooth loss and maintain their bite balance and their smiles. But even though most people respond well to root canal treatment, allergies or sensitivities to the material they use can sometimes cause problems.
At Compassionate Endodontics New York/NYC, our team offers holistic root canal therapy featuring materials designed to avoid sensitivities and allergic reactions. Learn what makes this approach different from traditional root canal treatment.
Before delving in to holistic root canal, it’s important to understand what root canal therapy is and why it’s sometimes recommended. Root canal treatment refers to the channels or canals located in the center of your tooth. These canals extend from the middle of the tooth all the way down to the tip of the tooth root.
Each canal contains the blood vessels and nerves that support tooth health and function. This central part of the tooth is protected by the layers of enamel and dentin that surround them, but that doesn't mean they can’t be infected or damaged by trauma.
Decades ago when this central pulp part of the tooth was damaged, it meant having the tooth extracted. But root canal therapy changed all that. With RCT, instead of removing the tooth, your dentist accesses and removes the damaged part instead, preserving the remaining tooth so you can avoid an extraction.
After the pulp is removed and the canals are thoroughly cleaned and sealed, the tooth is filled with a special material called gutta percha, then covered by a tooth-colored crown. The crown strengthens and protects the tooth while hiding any discoloration that occurs once the “living” part of the tooth is removed.
Holistic root canal therapy is used in patients who are sensitive or allergic to the materials used to seal or fill the root canal once the damaged part is removed. In this technique, we use other materials that are biocompatible — that is, materials that won’t react negatively with your body.
For instance, patients with latex allergies benefit from filling materials that don’t rely on gutta percha, a rubbery substance with a chemical makeup that’s similar to latex. In holistic root canals, our team uses alternative materials to fill root canals, avoiding potential sensitivities.
Similarly, holistic root canals may rely on alternative materials to seal the canals or to destroy bacteria before the canal is filled. Our team is also skilled in laser-based techniques focused on destroying bacteria without the use of chemical agents.
During your initial office visit, it’s important to review any allergies you have with your provider, so they can make the right recommendations for your root canal treatment and the materials used.
As leaders in endodontic treatment in New York City, our team is dedicated to offering the most advanced treatment options to help every individual maintain optimal oral health. To learn more about holistic root canal therapy, call 929-344-0932 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC today.
