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Dealing with tooth pain or infected teeth can be quite overwhelming, and patients are often presented with a critical decision: Should the tooth be saved with a root canal treatment, or should it be extracted? While you may have read about what a root canal procedure entails, the more pressing question for many patients is: "Why should I choose a root canal over other options?"
Read along to understand how root canal treatment compares to the alternatives like tooth extraction, and why preserving your natural teeth can often be the ideal decision for your long-term dental health and overall health.
Why should I preserve my natural teeth?
Your natural teeth are uniquely suited for your mouth. They are nature's tools for chewing, speaking, and maintaining your jawbone structure. Unlike dental implants or bridges, natural teeth provide optimal function and aesthetics without requiring surgical intervention or long-term maintenance routines.
When a deep cavity or deep decay reaches the infected pulp, the connective tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, it can cause serious pain, especially when consuming hot or cold foods. If left untreated, this infection can spread, leading to an infected tooth and potential damage to the surrounding areas. If left untreated, this infection can spread, leading to an infected tooth and potential damage to the surrounding areas.
Tooth loss, even if addressed with replacements, can result in several challenges, including:
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Shifting of adjacent teeth
- Changes in bite and facial structure
- Compromised speech and chewing function
Root canal therapy supports your body's natural biology by salvaging your tooth, thereby helping maintain harmony in your oral ecosystem. The more natural teeth you retain over your lifetime, the better your chances of avoiding complex and costly restorative procedures.
Root canal therapy is a treatment that involves removing the infected tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and filling and sealing them with a material called gutta percha.
What are my options?
Even though endodontic treatment may seem time-consuming in the short-term, it does offer long-term advantages for your oral health. Let’s take a closer look at how a root canal therapy compares to the most common alternative, that is tooth extraction.
Option 1 - Root canal treatment
A root canal infection treatment is an endodontic treatment that is recommended when tooth decay progresses and the tooth pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. The process involves:
- Removing the infected tissue
- Cleaning and shaping the root canals
- Sealing the tooth with root canal filling material
- Often restoring the structure with a temporary filling and then with a dental crown
Pros:
- Saves your natural tooth from extraction
- Maintains proper bite alignment
- Prevents jaw bone deterioration
- Cost-effective in the long run
- Less invasive than surgical replacements
Cons:
- Requires time and patience (may need 2-3 visits)
- Tooth crowns may need replacement after many years
- Risk of persistent pain and dental infection
Option 2 - Tooth extraction
Extraction removes the entire tooth from the socket. In cases of severely decayed tooth, severe gum disease, loose teeth or tooth fracture where a endodontic therapy isn’t viable, tooth removal may be considered.
Pros:
- Immediate removal of the source of infection which is the diseased tooth
- Fewer initial dental appointments (though follow-up appointments for permanent restoration is likely)
Cons:
- Permanent loss of the natural tooth
- Requires replacement (implant, bridge, or denture) to restore function and aesthetics
- Higher risk of surrounding teeth shifting leading to changes in bite and overall chewing function
- Can lead to bone resorption (shrinkage) and over a period of time, can make it difficult or even impossible to replace missing teeth with dentures or implants.
- Often more expensive overall when replacements are factored in
- May not be the ideal course of action for patients with other medical conditions and risk factors
- More invasive surgical procedure that involves risks such as bleeding, nerve damage and dry socket
In summary, while extraction may seem quicker and cheaper upfront, successful root canal treatment is usually the more conservative and biologically supportive option, especially when your tooth can still be saved. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to prevent issues like these and protect your oral health.
Can't I just wait and see?
Some patients wonder if they can delay treatment, especially if they only have mild discomfort which they can manage with counter painkillers. Some even fail to come for follow-up visits after the first stage of root canal treatment. However, untreated infections can progress quickly, potentially leading to persistent toothache, abscesses, bone loss, and systemic health issues such as infections spreading to other parts of the body.
Delaying treatment not only increases the likelihood of needing an extraction later, but also raises the risk of more invasive and expensive dental interventions.
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What about replacing an extracted tooth?
Tooth replacement options include:
- Dental Implants – Surgically placed posts that support artificial crowns. While they look and function like real teeth, they require sufficient bone density, are costly, and need a healing period. Depending on the extent of the damage, the tooth is then restored with either a filling or a crown.
- Bridges – Crowns anchored to adjacent teeth. While effective, they often require the removal of healthy enamel from neighboring teeth.
- Dentures – Removable appliances for multiple missing teeth. These can be less stable and require routine adjustments.
What are the aftercare instructions?
Recovery after a root canal is generally smooth with proper care. Managing tooth pain with prescribed medications, avoiding hard foods, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene can ensure the longevity of the treated tooth.
In most cases, your dentist will recommend placing a permanent crown on the treated tooth to protect it from future fractures and wear. Regular dental checkups will also help monitor the tooth and surrounding structures to catch any issues early. Click here to find out more.
Are there any risks?
Like any dental procedure, root canals carry a few risks like instrument breakage, incomplete removal of dead pulp tissue, or risk of reinfection. Fortunately, most of these complications are rare and manageable with early detection.
Working with a qualified and experienced dental professional significantly reduces these risks. Be sure to communicate openly with your dentist about any post-treatment discomfort or concerns.
FAQs about root canal infection treatment
Q) Is pulling the tooth better than a root canal procedure?
Not usually. Extraction may seem simpler but can lead to long-term complications, including shifting teeth and jawbone loss. Root canal treatment allows you to preserve your natural tooth and avoid these issues.
Q) Are root canal treatment costs worth it?
While the upfront cost may seem high, saving your natural tooth avoids the higher expenses of implants or bridges down the road.
Q) What is the rate of success of root canal treatment?
With proper care, root canal-treated teeth can last a long time. Crowns may eventually need to be replaced, but the underlying tooth structure often remains strong and functional.
Q) What if I don’t do anything?
Avoiding dental treatment can lead to the spread of pulp infection, severe pain, and eventual tooth loss. Infections can even impact your overall health, so timely treatment is crucial.
Conclusion
Root canal procedure is more than just a solution for pain relief, it is a valuable tool for preserving the health, structure, and normal function of your natural smile. While alternatives like extraction and implants have their place, they often come with added risks and expenses.
The goal of modern dental services is not just to fix what's broken, but to preserve what’s natural. If your dental surgeon recommends a root canal, it’s likely because saving your tooth will give you a suitable outcome both now and in the future.
Still unsure about your options? Feel free to schedule a consultation with at our dental clinic. We’re here to walk you through the steps and help you make an informed decision for your oral health.