As soon as a toothache sets in, you should seek care from a qualified dental professional. After they perform a thorough exam, they may present you with one or more restorative treatment options. For example, they might inform you that you can get your tooth extracted or undergo root canal therapy. Which is the better route? This blog post provides an informative comparison of root canals vs. tooth extractions.
What Do They Accomplish?
Root canal therapy and tooth extractions are two very different treatments.
A tooth extraction addresses a problem by removing a tooth altogether. This gets rid of infected tissue and removes the nerve inside the tooth that was sending pain signals to your brain. The procedure can provide reliable, long-term pain relief.
Root canal therapy, on the other hand, has the goal of preserving a damaged tooth. During the procedure, a dentist uses special instruments to access a tooth’s interior chambers. Then, they clean out damaged tissues and remove the tooth’s nerve. Next, they fill in the tooth and usually top it with a crown. A successful root canal can allow a damaged tooth to continue functioning indefinitely.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Better?
In most cases, your dentist will strongly prefer that you opt for root canal therapy rather than an extraction. The main reason for this is that a root canal saves your tooth and can spare you from the complications that often accompany tooth loss. For example, keeping your tooth can preserve the strength of your jawbone. It can also prevent nearby teeth from drifting out of place, allow you to maintain a complete smile, and help you save money by not requiring you to pay for tooth replacement.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Better?
While a root canal is often better than a tooth extraction, there are some exceptions. For example, if a tooth is severely damaged, attempting to save it with root canal therapy might not be practical or even possible. It would be easier to remove the tooth altogether and replace it as soon as possible with a dental implant.
Which Is Better for You?
Extractions and root canal therapy are both valid ways to address an aching, damaged tooth. However, these treatments are suited to different circumstances. Your dentist will recommend the one that they believe is best for your situation.
Meet the Practice
The specialists and dentists at New Haven Dental Group in Woodbridge are proud to offer a broad range of restorative services, including both tooth extractions and root canal therapy. If you have a toothache and are curious about your treatment options, we would be happy to answer your questions. Contact our team at 203-409-2535.