What are my Alternatives to a Root Canal?
Root canal alternatives are the various treatment options available when you have a dead, damaged, or infected tooth. Although you may have been told “You need a root canal,” this is not a true statement.
Root canals are just one of many procedures you may consider when dealing with dental problems. The reality is that nobody NEEDS a root canal – it’s simply one option among many.
Unlike conventional dentistry, modern holistic dentistry offers several effective alternatives to traditional root canals. Our biological approach uses ozone therapy, laser treatment, and biocompatible materials to heal infected teeth naturally when possible.
When extraction is necessary, we offer the safest removal techniques and the most biocompatible replacement options to restore your smile and health.
What Makes Us Different?
We provide unbiased information about ALL your options – including the risks and benefits of each approach – so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your health goals and values.
Complete Transparency
We discuss all risks and benefits of every option, not just the procedures that are most profitable for the practice.
Health-First Approach
We consider how each treatment option affects your whole-body health, energy meridians, and long-term wellness.
Biocompatible Solutions
When replacement is needed, we use only metal-free, biocompatible materials that work in harmony with your body.
Personalized Care
All treatment recommendations are curated specifically to your health goals, values, timeline, and budget.
Other Biological Dental Services in Portland
BIOLOGICAL DENTAL CARE
We look at how to support all of your body's systems – immunity, digestion, psychological, emotional, and energy levels – to ensure that your whole body feels and functions well. Our biological approach eliminates toxins, uses only...
HOLISTIC DENTAL CARE
Holistic dentistry considers the connection between your oral health and overall wellness. We address root causes of dental problems while supporting your body's natural healing ability through ozone therapy, biocompatible materials...
NATUROPATHIC DENTAL CARE
Naturopathic dental care combines traditional dental expertise with natural healing principles. We use minimally invasive techniques, support your body's innate healing wisdom, and choose materials and treatments that work in harmony...
SAFE ROOT CANAL REMOVAL
Scientific studies show that all root canals become infected over time. Our doctors have personally tested thousands of extracted root canals to determine the level of infection...
SAFE MERCURY REMOVAL
We follow strict SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) protocols to protect you during amalgam removal. Our specialized equipment, protective barriers, and air filtration systems ensure mercury vapor exposure is minimized...
CERAMIC IMPLANTS
If you are missing teeth, dental implants are the optimal and highly functional solution to restore your smile. This will ensure that you have teeth that behave like real teeth. Unlike traditional titanium implants, ceramic implants are metal-free, biocompatible...
CAVITATION TREATMENT
In dentistry, tooth extraction is a common procedure, particularly with wisdom teeth. More than ten million teeth are removed in America every year. However, the removal of teeth has a high incident rate of infection at the extraction site...
WHOLE MOUTH RESTORATION / SMILE MAKEOVER
Comprehensive whole mouth restoration addresses multiple dental issues simultaneously using biocompatible materials and biological principles. Our holistic approach considers your overall health, bite alignment, and aesthetic goals...
OZONE THERAPY
Ozone therapy harnesses the natural healing power of medical-grade ozone to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the mouth. This non-invasive treatment promotes healing, reduces infection risk, and can often prevent the need for...
BIOLOGICAL TOOTH RESTORATION
Biological tooth restoration is an advanced approach to repairing damaged teeth using materials and techniques that closely mimic your natural tooth structure. When you have tooth decay, fractures, or damage from old dental work, the lost enamel...
ROOT CANAL ALTERNATIVES
Modern holistic dentistry offers several effective alternatives to traditional root canals. Our biological approach uses ozone therapy, laser treatment, and biocompatible materials to heal infected teeth naturally...
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
We take a completely different approach than traditional cosmetic practices. While most dental offices treat cosmetic concerns as isolated problems - like whitening teeth without addressing underlying health issues - we practice biological...
Discover the Best Root Canal Alternatives at Blodgett Dental Care in Portland, Oregon
“When a tooth is damaged or infected, you have options. My job isn’t to push one procedure over another – it’s to educate you about all possibilities so you can make the choice that feels right for your body and your life.”
– Dr. Kelly Blodgett
Who Is The Blodgett Dental Care Ideal Patient?
This approach may be right for you if:
- You’ve been told you “need” a root canal but want to explore other options
- You’re concerned about the long-term health risks of root canal therapy
- You want to understand ALL treatment possibilities, not just what’s most profitable
- You believe in making informed healthcare decisions based on complete information
- You want treatment that considers your whole-body health and energy systems
People come to us when:
- They’ve been pressured into root canal treatment without discussion of alternatives
- They want a second opinion from someone who respects their health autonomy
- They’re experiencing chronic health issues and suspect root canals are contributing
- They want honest, transparent information about all their dental options
- They’re looking for biological approaches that support their body’s natural healing
“Honesty, transparency, and humility are necessary qualities for great healthcare providers. At Blodgett Dental Care, we demonstrate those qualities by sharing ALL risks and acknowledging that there are always other options. Your health autonomy must be respected.”
– Dr. Kelly J. Blodgett
Patient Testimonials: A Holistic Approach to Root Canal Alternatives
These are the voices of our happy patients and their stories. Experience first-hand the sense of unique community and individual care in Dr. Blodgett’s practice.
“Hands down BEST dental experience I’ve ever had! I came here to get a second opinion on a tooth that I was told needed a root canal and I am so glad I did. He is super informative and did not make me feel rushed when I had a bunch of questions. If you need a second opinion or are just looking for a dentist this is the place to go. It’s definitely worth the drive if you aren’t in Portland but in the surrounding area. Thanks for giving my tooth a shot at being saved!”
M. Wright
“After going to 3 dentists for ‘2nd opinions’ on a tooth that ‘needed a root canal’, I decided to give Blodgett Dental a shot; I told myself this was the last place. (I was hoping for an alternative to a root canal for a very painful tooth). They were everything I was hoping for and more. Informative, quick, concise! They did an alternative procedure, healed my nerve and sealed my tooth…amazing! I practice is absolutely beautiful, with top of the line, latest technology. They made my billing experience a breeze, and made me feel so comfortable. I would recommend this dental practice to everyone I know, without hesitation.”
Tina B.
“So thankful I discovered this place. I had a hurtful filling that, according to other specialists, was supposed to require a root canal. I was in pain for over a year. Dr. Blodgett replaced my filling in less than an hour. Now I live with no pain, which is wild after such a long time. I’m obviously really thrilled and thankful that I got to keep my tooth. :)”
Anca S.
“So thankful for Dr. Blodgett and his team! Found Dr. B when looking for alternatives to a root canal. He talked me through the whole process of getting a dental implant and crown, his team helped me with financing options, and everyone made sure to make me feel at ease seeing as dental work makes me anxious. The work Dr. B and his team performed is phenomenal. I flew all the way from Los Angeles to have my procedure completed, because I knew the technology and materials he uses are of the highest quality. Most certainly recommend!”
Alexa C.
FAQs about Root Canal Alternatives
Explore commonly asked questions about root canals and their alternatives from our thriving community! Can’t find your query? Reach out to us during our business hours and we’ll be sure to help you get your question answered!
What are my alternatives to root canal treatment?
Your alternatives include: doing nothing (monitoring the situation), removing the tooth and replacing it with a biocompatible ceramic implant, removing the tooth and replacing it with a bridge or partial denture, or in some cases, using biological treatments like ozone therapy to heal the infection naturally. Each option has different benefits and considerations that we’ll discuss based on your specific situation.
Is it true that I don’t actually “need” a root canal?
Correct. The word “need” implies a requirement or obligation, but root canals are simply one treatment option among many. Just as people have wisdom teeth removed without keeping all their teeth being “necessary,” you always have choices when dealing with damaged teeth. We believe in presenting all options so you can make an informed decision.
What are the risks of root canal treatment that I should know about?
Common risks include chronic continuous pain after the procedure, perforation of the root, constant exposure of your jawbone to microbes in the dead tooth, darkening of the tooth over time, decreased energy flow to organs connected to that tooth’s meridian, and symptoms like tinnitus, vertigo, headaches, or sinus congestion. We believe you deserve to know all potential risks before making your decision.
Can biological treatments actually heal infected teeth?
In some cases, yes. Ozone therapy, laser treatment, and other biological approaches can eliminate infection and support the tooth’s natural healing. However, success depends on factors like the extent of damage, your overall health, and how long the infection has been present. We’ll assess whether your tooth is a candidate for these conservative approaches.
If I choose extraction, what are my replacement options?
Your replacement options include immediate placement of a biocompatible ceramic implant and crown, a dental bridge (traditional or Maryland style), a removable partial denture, or choosing not to replace the tooth at all. We consider your health goals, values, timeline, and budget to determine which option is most appropriate for you.
How do you help me decide which option is best?
We provide complete information about all options, including risks and benefits of each approach. We consider your health goals, values, timeline, budget, and overall health status. Most importantly, we respect your autonomy to make the decision that feels right for your body and your life. All care is curated specifically to your preferences.
Explore Your Options with Confidence!
Ready to discover all your alternatives to root canal treatment? Get the complete information you deserve to make an informed decision about your dental health.