If you’ve been dealing with intense tooth pain, you might be wondering what your dentist will tell you when you head to their office for treatment. Maybe they’ll recommend a root canal, which you might fear due to their portrayal on television or what you’ve heard through the grapevine. Or perhaps they’ll suggest tooth extraction, which means you’ll have to part with one of your pearly whites. Both of these options might seem a little daunting, but each has its usefulness, and you shouldn’t be worried at all! Continue reading to learn more about root canals and tooth extractions so that you can make an informed decision that benefits your smile now and down the road.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a type of dental procedure used to preserve a tooth after its pulp has become inflamed or infected – which is often the source of immense pain. During a root canal, your dentist will address the infected tooth pulp by making a small opening into the tooth and removing the damaged, infected tissue before sanitizing the tooth, filling it, and protecting it with a dental crown.
Root canals let your dentist preserve the tooth in question and allow it to remain inside your mouth, which is often preferable to it needing to be extracted. Despite their unfair negative reputation, they’re quite useful, relatively quick to perform, and not outright painful at all.
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Sometimes, the damage to teeth is so severe that the best option is to remove the tooth – if not, it’s possible that other dental problems can manifest. Your dentist will only opt to extract a tooth if it’s necessary; under normal healthy circumstances, teeth should be preserved, which is why root canals are so valuable. But there are some situations when the teeth need to be removed, including:
- The tooth is severely fractured.
- There’s excessive decay that leaves insufficient tooth structure to support a restoration.
- A badly infected tooth is threatening your overall health.
- Advanced periodontal disease has destroyed the tissues supporting the tooth.
As with root canals, tooth extractions are made to be as comfortable as possible for patients, though there are strict guidelines to follow during the recovery period.
Which Option Is Best for My Smile?
To put it simply, your dentist will ultimately have the final recommendation when it comes to whether you should get a root canal or undergo tooth extraction, and you should trust their expert opinion. Even though one of the goals of modern dentistry is to preserve natural teeth, this isn’t always possible – you may have no other option if your tooth is beyond repair. On the other hand, if a root canal can save the tooth and keep it inside your mouth, that is usually the better option.
About the Practice
Salmon Brook Dental has proudly served patients and families in the Granby, CT area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Kenneth Endres, Dr. Gunveen Chawla, and their talented team! They offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as root canal treatment. If you or someone you know is dealing with urgent tooth pain, contact their office today for assistance. Telephone: (860) 653-4551.