A toothache is a really hard kind of pain. Most of the time, it is only caused by deep decay or an infection inside the tooth. In these cases, you will most likely have to choose between a root canal and a tooth extraction. If you are not sure which one is better, this guide will definitely help you get familiar with both of those options. A good dental clinic in Kitchener will do the necessary tests on your tooth and inform you about the best solution for your problem. Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt to know the basics beforehand, so you can be comfortable and composed.
For a start, we can look into what a root canal would entail, when exactly the estimation of the extraction is necessary and finally, the aspects that make us decide to keep the tooth or remove it from the mouth.
What Is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy in Kitchener is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged tissue from inside your tooth. This tissue is called the pulp, and it contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp gets infected, it can cause pain and swelling.
During a root canal:
- The dentist removes the infected pulp.
- The inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
- A crown may be placed on top to protect the tooth.
This treatment helps you keep your natural tooth instead of removing it.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
“Tooth extraction” is a term that means a dentist takes away a whole tooth from the patient’s mouth. Normally, it is done when a tooth is so damaged that it cannot be saved anymore.
The main reasons for tooth extraction are:
- Decay that has reached the advanced stage
- A tooth that is broken beyond the point of repair
- Infection that has gone too far
- Crowding or getting ready for braces
Once an extraction is done, you may be required to have a substitute, like a dental implant, bridge, or denture.
Pros and Cons of Root Canal
Root canal treatment has many benefits, but it also has some downsides. Let’s look at both.
Pros:
- Saves your natural tooth
- Keeps your smile looking normal
- Less impact on nearby teeth
- Usually less painful than extraction in the long run
Cons:
- It can be more expensive
- Takes more time (may need multiple visits)
- The tooth may still need a crown
- Not always successful if the infection is severe
Understanding the pros and cons of root canal treatment helps you make a smart choice with your dentist.
Tooth Extraction Alternatives
If you’re thinking about pulling the tooth, it’s important to know your options after extraction. These are called tooth extraction alternatives.
Some common choices include:
- Dental implants: A strong, long-lasting replacement that looks like a real tooth.
- Bridges: A false tooth held in place by nearby teeth.
- Dentures: Removable teeth that replace one or more missing teeth.
These options help you chew, speak, and smile normally after losing a tooth.
Is Root Canal Painful?
A lot of people are worried and asking if a root canal is painful. The fact is, it’s really not as terrible as people imagine.
Dentists inject local anesthesia to numb a particular area; thus, no pain will be felt during the intervention. You can feel some tenderness after the procedure, but it disappears after a couple of days in most cases.
Actually, root canals are procedures that remove/reduce the pain that is caused by infection. So while the idea may seem scary, the treatment itself is meant to help you feel better.
Recovery After Tooth Extraction
Should you decide to go for tooth removal, it will be necessary to be aware of the next steps. The process of recovery after tooth removal is generally easy, but you will have to abide by your dentist’s instructions.
Here’s what to anticipate:
- Some bleeding for a few hours
- Swelling or soreness for a couple of days
- Eating soft foods like soup or yogurt
- Avoiding hard or crunchy foods
- Keeping the area clean and dry
The majority of people recover within a week. If you are experiencing pain and swelling that still exist after a few days, contact your dentist immediately.
How to Decide: Save the Tooth or Pull It?
So, how do you decide whether to go for a root canal or get the tooth extracted? The answer depends on the state of your tooth, your health, and your budget.
Some of the points to think about are:
- Firstly, is the tooth to be saved? If yes, a root canal would be the right option.
- Has the infection reached the bone? If so, removal may be the safer way.
- Would you like to keep your natural tooth? A root canal is a solution for that.
- Would you be alright with a replacement tooth? In that case, extraction might be the suitable option.
Discuss with your dentist the different possibilities. They will clarify everything and assist you in making the right choice between saving the tooth and pulling it.
What Do Dentists Recommend?
The majority of dentists are of the opinion that the best option would be to save the tooth whenever it is possible. It is essential to keep your natural teeth not only for eating or speaking but also for the strengthening of the jaw. Nevertheless, if the tooth is so severely damaged, the removal of it might be the most suitable option.
At your appointment, the dentist will:
- Take X-rays to find out the problem
- Check your gums and nearby teeth
- Discuss with you about your health and preferences
- Advise the most appropriate treatment for you
It doesn’t matter if you are going to have a root canal or an extraction; the point is to have a healthy, painless oral cavity.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
The choice of a root canal or tooth extraction can be quite perplexing. However, you don’t have to come up with this decision on your own. A skilled dentist near you will lead you through the procedure and give you the best decision for your smile.
So if you have a toothache or the tooth is infected, don’t hesitate to make an appointment at Laurentian Dental Centre. The team that takes care of you is always ready to help you and to secure your dental health for the next years.