A severe toothache can be distracting and even debilitating. If you are suffering from this ailment, you should get in touch with your emergency dentist right away. They will recommend a procedure to end your pain and get your oral health back on track. But what if you have multiple treatment options? Which should you choose? This blog post compares root canals vs. extractions.
What Do They Accomplish?
In many cases, the cause of a toothache is an infection in a tooth’s innermost layer, called the pulp. By removing the infected tooth in its entirety, an extraction takes care of the infection at its source so you can begin to heal.
Root canal therapy is somewhat more complex. During the treatment, your dentist carefully accesses the pulp of the infected tooth and cleans out all the damaged tissue. They also remove the nerve that was responsible for causing your pain and then fill in the tooth with a special material to help it maintain its structure. A successful root canal ends a toothache and can allow the treated tooth to continue functioning for many years to come.
Which Is Better for Your Oral Health?
Dentists tend to favor root canal therapy over an extraction because a root canal allows you to retain your tooth. This comes with a number of noteworthy advantages:
- When a tooth goes missing, dental drift can occur. This is a problem wherein nearby teeth drift into the empty space, leading to dental misalignment and other issues. Keeping your natural tooth can ensure dental drift is not a problem.
- Often, the loss of a single tooth is a precursor for further tooth loss, so keeping your tooth for as long as possible can preserve your smile’s completeness.
- Many patients feel more confident when they are able to preserve all of their natural teeth.
- After a tooth extraction, you should replace a missing tooth as soon as possible. This can be costly and time-consuming. Root canal may be able to save you from this inconvenience.
Despite the advantages of root canal therapy, it must be noted that it is not always the best choice. In some cases, a tooth is so severely damaged that extracting it is the superior course of action.
What Is the Bottom Line?
Both root canal therapy and tooth extractions are valid ways to treat a badly damaged tooth. Your dentist will recommend the option that they believe is the best fit for your unique circumstances.
Meet the Practice
The talented team at Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield offers emergency services in a welcoming environment. Whether you require root canal therapy, an extraction, or another treatment, you can expect us to handle your case with skill and empathy. To learn more about how we can support your oral health, contact our office at 860-263-0441.