If you have a severe toothache, you may be willing to do almost anything to put a stop to the pain. Fortunately, your dentist offers treatment options that can quickly get you back on the road to sound oral health and pain-free dental function. But which procedure is best? Should you remove the damaged tooth or try to preserve it? This blog post delves into some of the pros and cons of root canals vs. extractions.
What Does Each Treatment Accomplish?
In many cases, the cause of a severe toothache is an infection inside the tooth’s innermost layer, known as its pulp. An extraction addresses the problem by removing the tooth altogether. Once the infected tissue is no longer present, the toothache stops and the patient can heal.
Root canal therapy is somewhat more complex. Instead of removing the tooth completely, it seeks to preserve as much of the tooth’s structure as possible. During the procedure, your dentist uses tools to access the pulp, remove damaged tissue, and extract the nerve. A successful root canal procedure stops an infection and prevents the tooth from sending further pain signals to the brain. A tooth that has received root canal therapy is usually restored with a crown to reduce the risk of future damage.
Which Is Better for Your Oral Health?
Dentists usually prefer root canal therapy rather than an extraction. When you keep your tooth rather than removing it, you may enjoy several advantages:
- A missing tooth creates an empty space in the mouth. This allows for dental drift, a problem wherein the remaining natural teeth start to shift out of place. Preserving your tooth can prevent this issue.
- Missing teeth are a risk factor for future tooth loss. Keeping your tooth can increase the chances that you will maintain a complete smile for the long haul.
- You may feel more confident knowing that you still have all of your natural teeth.
- Following an extraction, you should replace a missing tooth as soon as possible. This can be rather expensive. Depending on the type of tooth replacement you receive, your remaining natural teeth might have to be significantly modified. Therefore, keeping your tooth can save you money and protect your natural dentition.
Despite the many advantages of root canal therapy, it must be noted that it is not always the best option. In some instances, a tooth is so severely damaged that removing it is the wiser course of action.
What Is the Bottom Line?
Root canal therapy and tooth extractions both offer ways to end a toothache and address a severe dental infection. Your dentist will recommend the procedure that they believe is best for your unique situation.
Meet the Practice
The experienced and compassionate team at Gillis Dental is proud to offer a broad range of treatments for patients in Needham, including both root canal therapy and gentle tooth extractions. If you are suffering from a toothache or other symptoms of a dental problem, we are eager to help you find relief. Contact our office at 781-202-6357.