What is the most appropriate treatment for a gangrenous tooth?

In the case of a gangrenous tooth, the most appropriate treatment is root canal therapy. Gangrene indicates that there is widespread necrosis within the pulp tissue of the tooth, typically as a result of untreated dental decay or trauma that has allowed bacteria to invade the pulp space. Root canal therapy is specifically designed to treat such conditions.

During this procedure, the infected pulp tissue is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a biocompatible material to seal the space and prevent further infection. This treatment not only alleviates pain but also saves the natural tooth from extraction, which is particularly important in preserving dental function and aesthetics in the long term.

Other options like pulp capping or pulpotomy are generally considered for cases where the pulp is still viable, or only a limited portion of the pulp is affected. Pulp capping is used to protect the pulp in cases of minor exposure, while pulpotomy is typically performed when the pulp chamber is affected, but the root canals remain healthy. In the scenario of a gangrenous tooth, where the infection has likely compromised the integrity of the entire pulp, these treatments would be inadequate, making root canal therapy the most suitable approach. Extraction would indeed