When you have a severe toothache, the foremost thing on your mind might be how you can find relief. After an examination, your dentist may present you with multiple treatment options. How can you make the decision that is best for your oral health? Read on below to gain a basic understanding of root canals vs. tooth extractions.
What Do They Accomplish?
Often, the cause of a bad toothache is an infection in a tooth’s pulp (its soft innermost layer). An extraction removes the tooth altogether, including the infected tissue that is sending pain signals to the brain. The procedure therefore provides reliable and long-term pain relief.
Root canal therapy is more complex. During the procedure, your dentist uses special instruments to access the pulp. Then, they remove the infected tissue and extract the tooth’s nerve so it can no longer send pain signals. They fill in the tooth to help it maintain its shape and structure. Lastly, they usually top a root-canal-treated tooth with a crown. A successful root canal can preserve a tooth and allow it to continue functioning for a lifetime.
When Is a Root Canal Better?
In most cases, root canal therapy is preferable over an extraction. That is because a root canal preserves the tooth, which can spare you from the complications that often accompany tooth loss. For example, keeping the tooth can prevent deterioration of your jawbone, allow you to have a confident smile, and prevent you from spending large amounts of money on tooth replacement.
Preserving the tooth can also prevent dental drift, a problem wherein the remaining natural teeth start to shift into the empty space left by a missing tooth. Dental drift often causes a misaligned bite and can even contribute to future tooth loss.
When Is an Extraction Better?
Of course, a root canal is not always the better option. It may be wiser to get the tooth extracted if the damage is so severe that a root canal therapy and crown would not be a reliable way to save the tooth. It would be simpler and more practical to remove the tooth altogether and pursue tooth replacement with a dental implant as soon as possible.
Which Is Better for Your Situation?
Neither root canal therapy nor an extraction is the “right” way to address an infected tooth. Both are valid options. However, one or the other can be the superior route based on a patient’s unique circumstances. It would be wise to listen to your dentist’s recommendation and go with the treatment that they believe is best for you.
Meet the Practice
The oral health experts at Northborough Dental Associations proudly offer root canal therapy, gentle extractions, and numerous other restorative services. If you are struggling with a toothache or simply have questions about various treatments, we would be pleased to serve you. Contact our office at 508-571-0358.