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Are you experiencing a tooth infection or tooth damage? Your dentist may have already talked with you about a root canal procedure or extraction.
A dentist recommends root canal therapy when a tooth can be saved with treatment.
If the tooth is too damaged or there is a crack below the gum's surface that doesn't allow for stability or use after repair, the tooth must be removed.
Many patients come to Dental Arts Clinic believing that extraction is their only option, even the cheaper one.
However, there's more to consider.
Comparing the benefits and drawbacks of root canal vs extraction procedures can help you decide which option is best.
When treating tooth problems, the main goal is to save your natural teeth.
Root canal treatment, also known as a root filling, is the chosen procedure when a tooth can still be saved.
The root canal is a space inside your tooth that contains blood vessels, nerve tissue, and other cells called pulp. It runs from the top of your tooth to the tip of its root.
To save your tooth, a dentist will remove the infected part inside it, clean it, and fill the canal with a flexible, rubbery dental material called gutta-percha, from the visible part of the tooth to the root underneath the gum.
This procedure aims to eliminate the infection and seal the tooth to prevent further problems.
After a root canal procedure, the repaired tooth is protected with a crown or filling in order to function normally.
This process typically requires between one and three office visits.
It is performed by a dentist known as an endodontist, who has specialized training to treat issues within teeth.
Dentists save natural teeth whenever they can, but sometimes, dental fillings or crowns aren't enough.
If your tooth is badly damaged and cannot be repaired, it may need to be removed.
A tooth extraction is when a dentist removes a tooth from its socket. Sometimes, people call this "pulling" a tooth.
During a tooth extraction, local anesthesia is used to numb the affected area. The dentist then loosens the tooth and lifts it from its socket, sometimes needing to make incisions in the gums for access.
After removal, the socket is cleaned and disinfected.
The procedure is typically done using local anesthesia by a dental specialist or periodontist.
Removing a tooth can provide relief from symptoms, but it may lead to the need for additional appointments and further procedures to fill the gap left behind by the removed tooth.
Root canal treatment helps you keep your natural tooth and eliminates tooth infections that, if left untreated, could cause serious issues such as infection spreading to other teeth and jawbone damage.
But a tooth can weaken after a root canal, which is a potential disadvantage.
If the root canal filling doesn't work, the tooth may still have an infection. This could cause pain, swelling, and abscesses.
In this case, your dentist may suggest another root canal treatment or other methods.
Missing teeth can cause other teeth to move, make it harder to chew, and affect your smile.
But that's not all.
Losing a tooth and its roots can affect the health of your gums and mouth.
The absence of stimulation from chewing can lead to bone deterioration, affecting your jaw's strength and facial structure.
As we discussed previously, the main benefit of a root canal is that it allows you to keep your tooth in place.
By keeping your natural tooth, you won't have to worry about bone loss. The root of the tooth will keep stimulating the bone, so you can maintain your natural smile.
Endodontists, the professionals responsible for root canal treatment, are experts in saving teeth.
Root canal therapy maintains your natural smile, allows you to eat without discomfort, eliminates the need for additional treatments, and with proper care, the treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Root canal costs change based on the type of tooth and can range from $300 to $1,500.
Typically, front teeth root canal treatment costs about $900 to $1,100.
For bicuspid teeth, the cost is a bit higher, ranging from $400 to $1,800, with a typical cost of $900 to $1,100.
Molar root canal treatment is the most expensive, with costs ranging from $500 to $2,000. Typically, the cost is in the range of $1,000 to $1,300.
When it comes to recovery, it usually takes less than a week to heal from a root canal.
Tooth extraction's main benefit is to reduce harmful bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums.
If a decayed or damaged tooth is left untreated, it can cause many problems for your overall health, and tooth extraction prevents this.
The main disadvantage is the absence of your tooth, and there is no chance to reconsider after the procedure.
You are committed to a long-term treatment with many follow-up visits to your dentist and new procedures to replace the missing tooth.
A tooth extraction can provide quick relief from dental pain, particularly if your tooth is severely damaged or infected.
After the surgery, the journey is not done.
Patients may need to spend a significant amount of money on tooth replacements.
You have three main options for replacement: something fixed that you can't take out, a removable tooth replacement, or a denture (false teeth) that can be taken out.
The fixed options include dental bridges or implants.
Partial dentures are unlikely to last a lifetime and will need regular replacement.
Dental implants often cost more than other options.
Tooth extraction carries a risk of affecting nearby teeth and jawbone, potentially causing loosening of nearby teeth over time.
To prevent this, it will be necessary to have either a partial denture or an implant.
After a tooth extraction, there is a small risk of complications, such as:
Deciding between a root canal vs extraction depends on your particular situation.
If you have an infected or decayed tooth, it's important to act quickly, guided by your dentist's advice.
Both treatments can relieve pain and promote a speedy recovery.
If you have an infected, cracked, or loose tooth, schedule an appointment here without delay.
Our priority is to save your tooth.
