This endodontic procedure is a widely used treatment to save affected or infected teeth from extraction. While many people are familiar with the term root canal, very few know that this procedure can be both surgical and non-surgical. Understanding the differences between these two processes can help you make informed decisions about your dental care. 

What is Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is the interior part of a tooth’s root, which contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. This procedure treats the infection within these canals to preserve the natural tooth. 

Non-Surgical Vs. Surgical Procedure

Here are the key differences between these two dental procedures:

Non-Surgical Treatment

How Does a Non-Surgical Root Therapy Work? 

This type of procedure is a straightforward procedure to treat an infected tooth. A general dentist performs this process and requires the following steps: 

• The dental practitioner drills a small opening at the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp.
• The infected pulp is carefully removed, and the tooth’s interior, including the root canal, is thoroughly disinfected and cleaned. 
• The empty canals are then filled with a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha.
• Finally, the tooth is sealed and covered with a dental crown to restore functionality and strength.

Patients undergoing this non-surgical procedure receive a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience. The entire procedure is usually completed within one or two visits and has a high success rate. If you are looking for a non-invasive, effective treatment, root canal therapy in Albuquerque can be your ideal option.

Surgical Treatment

This endodontic surgery is a more complex procedure an endodontist performs when the conventional procedure is insufficient to resolve the issue. Unlike the non-surgical way, which accesses the infected pulp through the top of the tooth, the surgical procedure requires a small incision in the gum tissue to reach the affected root directly.

This advanced procedure is necessary for several situations:

• When a non-surgical process fails to remove the infection, it requires further treatment.
• If a tooth has tiny fractures or a canal issue that X-rays did not detect, it needs more attention to ensure it is fully treated.
• The presence of calcium deposits in the canals complicates cleaning with traditional tools.
• When there is damage to the nearby bone or root surfaces, it’s important to have surgical removal and repair. This helps prevent any further infection and keeps your oral condition healthy! 

How Does a Surgical Endodontic Treatment Work?

• A small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the tooth root.
• The infected part of the root, including the tip, is removed.
• Depending on the severity of the infection, a bone graft or root-end filling might be placed to promote better healing.
• The gum tissue is then carefully secured back in place, and the tooth is restored with a crown.

Root canal treatment plays a crucial role in preserving natural teeth and preventing severe dental complications. Generally, a dentist applies the non-surgical procedure at the initial stage of the treatment. However, the surgical process is necessary in more complex cases. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or infection, it is essential to consult a reliable dentist as soon as possible to save your natural teeth. Now, you can eliminate the hassle of finding a trustworthy dental practice in Albuquerque. Book an appointment at Peppermint Dental & Orthodontics today.

**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.