Damaged or infected teeth are something that may impact your smile and lower your self-confidence. In addition, if not taken care of at the right time, it can lead to the spread of infection to other teeth. If that happens, your entire oral health will be in jeopardy. When you have damaged or infected teeth, you usually have two options, tooth extraction or root canal. Here we help you learn about both these procedures and know which is better extraction or root canal.
When Should You Try Saving Teeth Via Root Canal?
When faced with damaged or infected teeth, most dentists will try to save your tooth or teeth by using the root canal procedure. It usually works when your teeth are damaged, have dead pulp, or rare diseases. However, as the pulp is the innermost layer of your teeth and allows your teeth to have proper blood flow, it might get damaged if you have a deep cavity or crack your tooth/teeth accidentally. In both scenarios, the bacteria might harm your pulp, and you might develop an infection. Sometimes, it also leads to swelling or the death of the vital tissue of the pulp.
When Extraction is the Only Choice?
Tooth extraction is usually not a preferred method chosen by dentists. They usually suggest it if you have a large cavity that has started to harm or has already harmed the tooth structure. In such cases, it cannot be repaired. Extractions are also suggested when a tooth has a severe fracture that extends below the gumline. Any attempts to save such tooth/teeth are usually useless. So, extraction is what most dentists would suggest.
How is Root Canal Done?
In a root canal procedure, the dentist will numb the area and make an opening in the affected tooth. Then, the dentist will extract the dead or diseased pulp. They will also ensure that there are no bacteria is left by cleaning the pulp chambers. The chambers will then be filled with a dental material known as gutta-percha so that the void left by the pulp can be filled. Then a crown is usually placed on the top of the tooth to ensure it looks good and you get your smile back. The entire process is done in stages, so you will need to visit a dentist for a root canal multiple time.
After the root canal procedure, you might feel some pain or discomfort for a few days. It can be countered by using an over-the-counter painkiller. Keep in touch with your dentist until it goes away.
How is Tooth Extraction Done?
In a tooth extraction procedure, a dentist will numb the area and use a piece of equipment known as an elevator to loosen the tooth from the socket. Then they will use forceps to extract the tooth. You might feel some pressure in the affected area during the process, but you won’t feel any pain.
After extraction, you need to bite on a piece of gauze for some minutes to clot the flow of blood in the affected area. Light bleeding and swelling might also follow. You will be advised to eat soft and cold foods and use ice packs to help with the side effects. The overall time needed to heal after a tooth extraction is up to 2 weeks.
Who Decides Which Procedure You Need- Extraction or Root Canal?
Your dentist is the best person to decide whether you need an extraction or a root canal. They will look at your teeth, examine the area, ask a few questions, and tell you the best option. You can then decide when and how you want to get the chosen procedure done. You can do it right away or wait for a few days. In most cases, the sooner you decide, the better it will be for your oral health. To know more about root canal or tooth extractions or get expert dental advice, contact Dr. Rudy and his team. They are the real experts with workable solutions and products that provide you the best possible oral health. Click here to visit the website or book a free consultation at 310-550-0800.
References:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/root-canals/root-canal-vs-extraction