When you have an extremely painful toothache, you probably already know that your first move should be to call the dentist right away. But when it comes to the particular kind of treatment you’ll receive, you might not be sure what the right approach is. Is it worth trying to save the tooth with root canal therapy, or would it be easier to have it removed altogether? Your dentist can help make sure you have all the facts when you’re considering the question of “root canal vs tooth extraction” so that you can make the optimal choice.
How Will Root Canal Therapy and Tooth Extraction Stop Your Pain?
Root canal therapy involves removing the damaged tissues inside of the affected tooth along with the nerve. This both stops the pain and prevents the infection in the tissue from spreading any further. The tooth is filled in and restored with a crown afterwards so that you can keep using it to bite and chew. Despite the reputation of the procedure, most patients feel little to no discomfort during root canal therapy.
With a tooth extraction in Kittanning, the tooth is removed altogether along with the infected tissue and the nerve that was causing the pain in the first place. This leaves a gap in the smile that will need to be filled with a dental implant or another restoration later.
What are the Disadvantages of Each Procedure?
No dental or medical procedure is without its drawbacks. With root canal therapy, there is a chance that not all the bacteria will be removed and that you’ll need endodontic retreatment later, although the chances of this are very low. Also, the tooth will be weakened after the procedure, and you’ll need to get a crown afterwards to protect it.
The consequences of a tooth extraction tend to be more serious. When a tooth is removed, the underlying part of the jawbone that supported it will start to lose its mass, and your remaining teeth will drift out of place. These issues will only get worse if you don’t have the empty space filled in as soon as possible, and you could ultimately be at risk for further tooth loss.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
In general, dentists will recommend root canal therapy over tooth extraction whenever possible. It’s always better for your mouth to keep your natural teeth whenever you can, and in the long term it’s more cost effective to repair a tooth than it is to replace it. Tooth extraction is usually only suggested when a tooth is so badly damaged that it can no longer be saved.
Having a toothache can be extremely stressful and frightening, but it’s important to keep a clear head and think carefully about your available options so that you can find relief while protecting your long-term health. Be sure you have a trustworthy emergency dentist that can give you a reliable recommendation when it counts the most.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller has received the prestigious Fellowship and Mastership awards from the Academy of General Dentistry, and he is a member of the Pennsylvania Dental Association. He offers a full menu of services that includes root canal therapy, tooth extraction, and other treatments that can potentially help stop your pain and save your smile during a dental emergency. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Voller at Voller Dentistry, visit his website or call (724) 543-4948.