A 30-year-old member asked:
if i have tooth decay, is a root canal the only treatment?
6 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Depends on: How extensive the decay is and whether you are interested in saving the tooth or not. Some other options to discuss are fillings, pulp caps, extraction, implants etc.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Randolph Toddanswered
Endodontics 44 years experience
Sometimes: Tooth decay is a destructive process that when stopped early only requires a simple filling to restore the defect. If allowed to progress it may lead to an infection that requires vital pulp therapy, root canal or even an extraction. Preservation of the natural tooth is always your best treatment but if the decay is not treated early total loss may be the only treatment option. See your dds.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. John Thaleranswered
Prosthodontics 41 years experience
No: All depends on the extent of the decay and the health of the tooth. See your dentist to find out your options.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Abraham Jaskielanswered
Dentistry 22 years experience
5.1k viewsReviewed Jun 24, 2020
Dr. Arnold Malermananswered
Orthodontics 53 years experience
Depends: Depends on the amount of the tooth that has been destroyed by decay and if the nerve of the tooth has become infected. The greater the destructive process, the fewer restorative choices are available. See your Dentist soon to increase your options.
66 viewsAnswered Jun 24, 2020
Dr. Theodore Davantzisanswered
Dentistry 40 years experience
Not Necessarily: Depends of the extent of the decay and how the tooth responds to more conservative treatment.
66 viewsAnswered Jun 26, 2020
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Last updated Jun 26, 2020
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