Any given dentist has dozens of restorative treatments in their toolkit, but when you’re dealing with a seriously infected tooth on the verge of failure, there are really only two you need to think about: root canals and tooth extractions.
Both of these treatments can offer serious relief if you’re dealing with a toothache, but the treatment you pick will have important ramifications that you ought to consider. Here’s what you ought to know in order to pick between the two.
What Is A Root Canal?
Root canals don’t have the best reputation, but in truth, it’s one of the most effective and painless ways of dealing with a seriously infected tooth. Your dentist will open a hole in the tooth and extract the infected root pulp from within. Then, they’ll fill the tooth with a substance called gutta percha in order to give the tooth structure. Finally, they’ll cap your tooth with a dental crown.
This is a method of treating the infection that keeps the natural tooth in place. However, there are other methods…
What is a Tooth Extraction?
In some ways, tooth extractions are the simplest dental treatment that there is. If there’s a serious problem with your tooth that’s beyond repair, your dentist can use specialized tools to remove it.
This is often a good idea if an infection has progressed too far for treatment to be possible in order to both ease discomfort and prevent the disease from spreading.
Should I Get a Root Canal or an Extraction?
All else being equal, it’s generally better to keep as much of your natural teeth intact as possible. If you have a tooth removed, it’s generally going to be necessary to replace it in order to maintain a high quality of life. For this reason, if you have the choice you should probably get a root canal.
However, there are some cases where a root canal isn’t actually possible because of the severity of the infection. In this case, it’s typically recommended that you remove the tooth and replace it with a bridge or implant.
About the Author
Dr. Teresa Knott is a dentist who has over 20 years of experience in her field, and in that time she’s become an expert in doing what it takes to keep her patients healthy and happy. She gets to know her patients as people and makes use of the latest in dental technology to help them. Dr. Knott received her degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She continues her education with SPEAR Education and the Texas Dental Study Club.
If you have any questions about root canals or extractions, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (972) 530-5200.