When Should You Choose Root Canal Over Tooth Extraction?

While our teeth are very strong, they can experience damage over time. For instance, your teeth can easily crack, chip, or break after biting on something hard like ice or nails. When seeking dental care, you might be confused about the right treatment. If your tooth is severely damaged, a root canal may be your last resort to saving your tooth. Alternatively, your dentist might recommend tooth extractions if your tooth is beyond saving.

Your best option is to visit our dentist in Andover, MA, for a consultation. The dentist will examine the condition of your tooth and mouth and advice on the best treatment option. In the meantime, below is an overview of both treatments to help make an informed decision.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy removes decayed or infected tooth’s pulp – the innermost part of your tooth. The tooth’s pulp is infected when the tooth’s enamel is compromised. The procedure’s primary purpose is to eliminate the infection and save the tooth.

Without root canal removal, the tooth will continue to decay, and you might end up losing the tooth. Untreated tooth decay also puts you at a higher risk of gum disease, further tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and more. There are a few signs that can signify the need for a root canal, including:

• A persistent toothache
• Tooth pain when pressure is applied
• Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
• Sore or swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Bad taste
• Tooth discoloration

If you experience these symptoms, see your dentist or visit Andover Cosmetic Dental Group for root canal treatment.

Root Canal Procedure

The dentist will numb you to keep you pain-free. Next, the dentist will drill through the tooth and remove the infected tooth’s pulp. The tooth is then cleaned and disinfected to prevent re-infection.

Next, the dentist uses a rubber-like filling material to seal off the empty chamber left after removing the pulp. Lastly, a permanent filling and a dental crown strengthen the tooth and protect it from further damage. The dentist might recommend waiting a few days before placing the permanent restorations to allow the tooth to heal.

What is Tooth Extraction?

The tooth extraction procedure is the process of removing a tooth from its socket. Dentists recommend tooth extraction if the tooth is beyond saving. For instance, the tooth doesn’t have enough structure to undergo a root canal or hold a dental crown sufficiently.

You might need extraction if you have:

• Severely decay that can’t be saved with a root canal
• Severe tooth damage like chips, cracks, or breaks
• An impacted tooth (tooth stuck below the gum line due to lack of enough space to develop naturally)
• Overcrowding
• To facilitate orthodontic treatments

Tooth Extraction Procedure

The dentist begins by numbing your tooth to keep you pain-free and comfortable. Next, the dentist can either perform a simple or surgical extraction. A simple extraction helps if the tooth is visible from the mouth. The dentist often uses a pair of forceps and elevators to extract the tooth.

Dentists recommend surgical extraction if the tooth isn’t visible from the mouth or is trapped in the jawbone. The dentist cuts through the gums and jawbone to access the tooth. The tooth may break into simple pieces for easy extraction.

When to Choose a Root Canal over Tooth Extraction

If you have a damaged tooth, your first option should always be to save the tooth canal. A root canal can effectively treat decayed, chipped, or broken teeth. Dental extraction might be your best solution if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will examine your tooth before giving you a treatment recommendation.

Common factors that your dentist might consider include:

• The severity of the infection or decay
• Remaining tooth structure
• Exposed tooth nerves
• Your budget and preferences
• Existing health concerns like gum disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases
• The severity of the symptoms

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need more information about tooth extraction and root canal in Andover, MA? Please book an appointment with our dentist today.