There is a huge difference between a root canal and a tooth extraction. You must know the difference so that you can make an informed decision.
Saving Your Teeth
A root canal is used to save your natural tooth. However, it is not always the best option. This procedure is ideal only if the pulp is dead or diseased but is still viable.
The dental pulp is the innermost part of your teeth. It provides blood flow to every tooth. However, when your tooth is cracked or develops cavities, the pulp can become damaged.
Any damage to the tooth will allow bacteria to enter the pulp, causing infection. If the tooth remains untreated, the pulp will die.
Extracting the Tooth
If your tooth cannot be saved because the damage is so extensive, it must be removed to avoid damaging the neighboring teeth.
Tooth extraction is a likely choice if a large cavity is weakening the tooth structure.
For a severe fracture, tooth extraction is better than a root canal treatment. This is especially true if the tooth has a crack that has expanded to the gumline.
The only way to determine which option is better for you is to visit a dentist, who will thoroughly examine your damaged tooth.
If the tooth’s structure is compromised, you will need a tooth extraction. However, if only the pulp is compromised and not the entire tooth structure, a root canal makes sense.
After Tooth Extraction
These days, several options are available to restore the beauty of your smile. In the past, the only way to replace your missing tooth was with dentures. However, due to advancements in dentistry, you can have a dental implant and a crown that function the same way as your natural tooth.
A dental implant is essentially a false tooth that feels and looks like a real tooth. Dental implants are fused to the jawbone. They are made of a biocompatible material so they will not harm your body.
You can also opt to not replace your missing tooth. However, you will encounter chewing and speech problems. Furthermore, there will be a gap where the tooth has been extracted. The neighboring teeth could drift into this gap, causing further damage and decay.
Food can easily get trapped in the gap, causing bacteria to grow. These bacteria can also affect your gums, creating further damage.
The affected area is also subject to bone loss. It can chip away at your facial structure, causing sunken cheeks.
It is best to visit your dentist to learn the best option for your case. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your tooth and prescribe the best treatment.
If you have any concerns about the available treatments, talk to your dentist. You may think that a root canal causes a lot of pain but it will not. Although you will encounter pain during the procedure or after the process, the pain is short-lived.
To learn more about a root canal and tooth extraction, please consult our dentist at Camarillo Smiles. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.