When you have a tooth that is severely decayed or infected, your options for having it treated are limited. Sometimes it might be possible to save the tooth with root canal therapy. In other cases, though, the tooth might need to be extracted. Which treatment is the best choice for you and your smile? Here’s what you need to know to figure out the answer to this crucial question.
How Do Root Canal Therapy and Tooth Extraction Work?
To perform a root canal, your dentist needs to create a small opening in the damaged tooth. Then they’ll remove the infected pulp and irrigate the inside of the tooth to get rid of any harmful bacteria that could cause further damage if left alone. The tooth will need to be filled and sealed afterward to prevent a new infection from occurring.
With tooth extraction, oftentimes the procedure involves specialized dental instruments that gradually loosen the tooth until it can simply be taken out of the socket. A more surgical approach might be required in certain cases, such as when the tooth is broken off at the gum line. After the tooth has successfully been removed, the now-empty socket will be thoroughly cleaned.
When Should a Root Canal Be Performed?
Dentists always prefer saving natural teeth whenever they can. As long as the tooth is in good enough shape to still be worth keeping, root canal therapy is generally your best option. Getting rid of the infection at its source will protect your tooth and the rest of your mouth from further harm.
Some people are reluctant to commit to root canal therapy since they believe it will be painful. However, your mouth will be numbed at the beginning of the procedure, meaning you’ll experience little to no discomfort while it’s being performed. As such, there’s no need to be afraid of undergoing a root canal to keep your smile whole.
When Should a Tooth Extraction Be Performed?
Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to save a tooth. If there’s an infection that can’t be treated with root canal therapy and is threatening to spread to other parts of the mouth, your dentist is likely to recommend having the tooth removed. Keep in mind, though, that this is seen as a last resort; root canal therapy and any other treatment options that might make it possible to keep the tooth will always be considered first.
Trying to figure out whether you need a root canal or a tooth extraction can be stressful, but luckily it’s not a decision you have to make on your own. Schedule an appointment with your dentist right away if you think you have an infected tooth that either needs to be treated or removed.
About the Author
Dr. Walter Mick has spent more than 30 years helping people in and around Reynoldsburg take better care of their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at The Ohio State University School of Dentistry, and he has completed various continuing education and advanced study programs. At his practice, Mick Family Dental Care, he can save severely infected teeth with root canal therapy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mick, visit his website or call (614) 864-4618.