Many people are nervous about root canals and tooth extractions, partly due to the myths surrounding these procedures. If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, visiting a dental clinic near me can provide the expert evaluation and guidance you need. Both are important dental treatments used in different situations to protect your oral health, stop the spread of infection, and prevent further dental problems.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment
It’s a dental operation used to restore a natural tooth that has become severely damaged or diseased, which is a root canal. You can preserve your natural tooth rather than losing it, thanks to its ability to eliminate harmful germs.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is done when the inner part of the tooth, called the pulp, is infected or inflamed. In order to stop the infection from spreading, the dentist cleans and disinfects the root canals, removes the affected pulp, and then plugs the area with gutta-percha. Usually, a crown is positioned over the tooth to protect it.
Time
The length of the procedure depends on how many roots the tooth has. On average, it can take 1 to 3 hours to complete the treatment. More complex cases may require multiple visits.
Cost
Root canal costs vary depending on tooth type and location, the severity of the infection, and whether insurance is assisting with the expenses.
Most dental insurance plans cover part of the treatment. Some dental offices also offer payment plans or discount options.
Tooth Extraction Explained
While dentists try to save teeth when possible, sometimes removing a tooth is the best option to protect your mouth and overall health.
There are several reasons why a dentist might recommend pulling a tooth:
- The tooth is too damaged to fix
- There’s overcrowding in the mouth
- To prepare for braces
- To prevent or remove serious infection
- Problems with wisdom teeth, like impaction or pain.
Types of tooth removal:
- Basic removal: This is used on a visible tooth. The dentist delicately loosens the tooth using specialized instruments after numbing the surrounding area.
- Surgical extraction: This is more complex and is used for teeth that haven’t erupted or are broken at the gum line. It involves making a small cut in the gum to remove the tooth.
Which Is Better: Root Canal or Extraction?
It depends on your dental condition, but saving your natural tooth is usually the better choice. With a root canal, you can keep your tooth and continue to use it normally. Keeping your natural roots helps protect the jawbone, prevent teeth from shifting, and lowers the risk of gum problems.
Root canals also remove harmful bacteria and usually succeed in saving the tooth long-term. On the other hand, tooth extraction is necessary when the tooth is too damaged to repair or poses a risk to surrounding teeth and tissues.
Both root canals and extractions are safe and effective ways to deal with damaged or infected teeth. Your dentist will help you choose the right option based on your situation. Whenever possible, keeping your natural tooth through root canal therapy is ideal for long-term oral health.