How to Avoid an Unnecessary Root Canal with Biomimetic Dentistry in Los Angeles
- David Hakham, DDS
- 6 hours ago
- 6 min read
When a Root Canal Is Not the Only Option
Many patients are told they need a root canal when a cavity becomes deep. The phrase “you need a root canal” can immediately cause anxiety and confusion, especially when there is no pain or discomfort. However, not every deep cavity requires this invasive procedure. With advanced modern techniques, many teeth can be saved naturally, without removing the tooth’s pulp.
In recent years, biomimetic dentistry has transformed the way dentists approach deep cavities. This science-based method focuses on preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible and avoiding unnecessary root canal treatments. At Dr. Hakham’s office in Montebello, many patients who were previously told they needed a root canal have successfully saved their teeth through these conservative and highly precise techniques.
One of those patients, a 38-year-old woman from Long Beach, CA, experienced this firsthand. Her story illustrates how proper diagnosis, selective treatment, and advanced materials can protect the tooth’s vitality and eliminate the need for unnecessary root canals.
Understanding How Cavities Form and Progress
Cavities, also known as dental caries, begin when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and produce acids. These acids slowly dissolve the enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of the tooth. If the process continues, the cavity penetrates deeper into the dentin layer, which is softer and more porous.
As the cavity approaches the pulp, the living part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, many patients begin to experience symptoms such as sensitivity to cold or sweets, pain when chewing, or lingering discomfort. However, when the decay is close to the pulp but has not yet reached it, the tooth can often still be saved without a root canal, especially if the patient has no symptoms.
In this patient’s case, she had no symptoms at all. Her tooth was not painful or sensitive. The cavity was discovered during a routine visit to her dentist, who recommended a root canal based solely on the depth of the decay visible on the x-ray. This is a very common situation that often leads to unnecessary root canal treatments.
Why Many Dentists Recommend Root Canals Too Early
In traditional dentistry, once a cavity appears deep and close to the pulp, many practitioners proceed with a root canal to “be safe.” The reasoning is that if the pulp might be affected, it is better to remove it before it causes problems.
However, this approach can be overly aggressive. Research shows that many teeth with deep cavities still have a thin layer of healthy dentin separating the decay from the pulp. If the tooth is not infected and the patient has no symptoms, it may be possible to remove the decay selectively, protect the pulp, and allow it to heal naturally.
Root canals are valuable procedures when truly necessary; for example, when the nerve is infected or dead, but performing them on a tooth that could remain healthy is not ideal. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth becomes more brittle and loses its natural ability to respond to temperature changes or protect itself. Preserving the pulp means preserving life inside the tooth.
A Patient’s Journey: Searching for an Alternative to a Root Canal Treatments in Los Angeles
Our 38 year old patient from Long Beach took her oral health very seriously. She visited her dentist regularly and had always followed through with recommended treatments. During one of her visits, her dentist informed her that tooth #31, a lower molar, had a very deep cavity that required a root canal.
This diagnosis surprised her because she did not feel any pain or sensitivity. She found it unusual that a tooth without any symptoms would need such an invasive treatment. Wanting to understand her options, she began researching alternatives and came across information about pulp capping, a treatment that can protect the nerve when a cavity is deep but not yet infected.
She even visited an endodontist, a root canal specialist, to explore whether this approach could be used for her tooth. The endodontist confirmed that the cavity was indeed deep and that only a very thin layer of healthy tooth remained between the cavity and the pulp. However, he explained that he does not perform pulp capping procedures for adult patients and recommended proceeding with a root canal.
Despite this, the patient remained persistent. She wanted to save her tooth’s natural vitality if possible. During her continued research, she came across one of Dr. David Hakham’s educational videos on YouTube, where he explained how his office specializes in avoiding unnecessary root canal treatments through selective cavity removal and the use of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) to help the pulp heal naturally.
Although she lived in Long Beach, she decided it was worth driving to Montebello to meet with Dr. Hakham. That decision changed the course of her treatment and saved her tooth.
A Different Philosophy: How Dr. Hakham Treats Deep Cavities
When the patient arrived for her consultation, Dr. Hakham carefully reviewed her x-rays and performed a detailed examination. He confirmed that the cavity was very deep, but there were encouraging signs. The tooth had no symptoms, and the pulp appeared to be healthy and alive.
Dr. Hakham explained that instead of removing all the dentin aggressively, he would perform selective cavity removal, which means removing only the infected and softened portions of the tooth while preserving as much of the healthy dentin as possible. This conservative approach prevents exposure of the pulp and gives it the opportunity to heal.
After disinfecting the area thoroughly, Dr. Hakham placed a thin layer of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) over the deepest part of the cavity. MTA is a biocompatible material that creates a seal over the pulp and stimulates the formation of new dentin, allowing the tooth to repair itself internally.
Once the MTA was set, he restored the tooth using anatomic composite resin, sculpted to replicate the natural shape, color, and function of the original tooth. In some cases, when additional strength is needed, Dr. Hakham also uses porcelain onlays designed to mimic natural enamel while reinforcing the tooth structure.
This biomimetic approach, based on mimicking the natural structure and properties of the tooth, ensures that the restored tooth not only looks beautiful but also performs as it did before decay occurred.
The Outcome: A Healthy, Natural, and Fully Functional Tooth
The patient’s treatment was a complete success. The cavity was removed, the pulp remained healthy, and the tooth was fully restored to its natural anatomy. The patient was extremely grateful that she had found Dr. Hakham’s office and had taken the time to seek a second opinion.
She expressed how relieved she felt knowing that her tooth’s nerve was preserved and that she did not have to undergo a root canal or receive a crown. What began as a potentially stressful diagnosis turned into a story of trust, precision, and modern dental science working in harmony.
Why Avoiding Unnecessary Root Canals Matters
Avoiding unnecessary root canals is not just about preventing discomfort or saving money. It is about preserving the natural biology of the tooth. When the pulp remains alive, the tooth continues to receive nutrients and maintains its natural defense mechanisms.
Over time, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are more likely to become brittle and fracture, often requiring crowns or even extractions. By preserving the pulp through biomimetic techniques, patients can maintain stronger and healthier teeth for decades.
Dr. Hakham’s approach represents the future of dentistry—minimally invasive, scientifically grounded, and patient-focused. Every case is evaluated carefully, with the goal of saving the natural tooth whenever possible.
A Message to Patients: Always Seek a Second Opinion
If you have been told that you need a root canal, but your tooth has no pain or symptoms, it may be worth seeking a second opinion. Many deep cavities can be treated conservatively using the principles of biomimetic dentistry.
At Dr. Hakham’s dental office in Montebello, conveniently serving patients across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, patients receive precise, evidence-based care focused on preserving natural tooth structure and avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Every tooth is unique, and every treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s needs. With advanced diagnostic tools, selective cavity removal, and biomimetic materials like MTA, Dr. Hakham has successfully helped numerous patients avoid unnecessary root canals while restoring their teeth to natural strength and beauty.
If you have been told you need a root canal, schedule a consultation today to learn if your tooth can be saved naturally. Your teeth deserve a second chance, and with the right approach, they can stay healthy and alive for years to come.
