The pain and discomfort that comes with a tooth infection are never pleasant. Moreover, they can be dangerous when left untreated, as they can spread to nearby teeth and gum tissue. When deciding how to treat an infected tooth, it often comes down to two main choices: root canal therapy or extraction. Both procedures have their positives and negatives, but which one is right for you? Read on to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of root canals and tooth extractions on your infected tooth.
Pros and Cons of Root Canals
A root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp inside your tooth, disinfecting the area, sealing, and filling it with gutta-percha. This material helps give your tooth stability as it replaces damaged pulp.
One of the biggest advantages of this procedure is that it saves your natural tooth. This is always ideal because it helps maintain your jawbone health as the roots will continue to stimulate your jaw! Not only that, but your toothache will also go away since the underlying cause is taken care of.
However, root canals themselves are more expensive than tooth pulling. This restorative procedure also typically requires an additional service, like a crown, to restore the function and appearance of your tooth.
The Ups and Downs of a Tooth Extraction
While tooth extractions may not sound like the ideal choice, they can have several benefits. When a tooth cannot be saved, removing it is the best way to ensure your oral health, preventing the infection from spreading. The cost of extracting can also be a more affordable option in the short term.
On the other hand, permanent teeth do not grow back. While you may consider not replacing the tooth, there are some downsides to this approach. Missing teeth can lead to jawbone loss, tooth drift, and difficulty chewing food. Although the extraction itself can be a less costly procedure, replacement options such as a dental implant or bridge can make it more expensive than a root canal.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
Each service does have a scenario where one is preferred over the other. In some cases, a root canal may not be possible, so an extraction is needed and vice versa. Determining the best treatment for you depends on the severity of the damage to your tooth.
Dentists generally prefer to save your natural teeth as nothing can truly compare to their strength and reliability. They might lean more toward a root canal unless there is a strong reason to remove the tooth instead.
While deciding between these two treatments can be challenging, it’s essential to understand that your dentist’s recommendation is based on their assessment of what will best restore your oral health. You can always ask your dentists questions about each procedure so you can learn more and make the right choice for you.
About the Practice
At Parkway Endodontics, you benefit from the expertise of two highly trained endodontists with over two decades of combined experience. This means they are pros when it comes to performing root canals! We strive to stay current with advances in dental technology, enabling you to benefit from effective treatments. If you have a nagging toothache or want to learn more about how a root canal can help, schedule an appointment or call us at either one of our convenient locations.
