To maintain optimal dental health, you need to take care of your teeth if and when they become inflamed. For decayed or infected teeth, patients undergo either root canal or extraction. Making the right decision between root canal treatment and tooth extraction is very important. Both dental procedures have their pros and cons. But the dental treatment you need depends on your specific dental issue. This guide will help you figure out whether you should search for a root canal dentist or a specialist in tooth extraction. In Houston, you may find dentists who specialize in both treatments.
Root Canal Treatment
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Also called endodontic therapy, root canal treatment focuses on saving a tooth that has become infected or inflamed, which could be due to a number of reasons, such as deep decay, cracks, or injury.
During this procedure, a root canal dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth’s interior. Then, they clean and disinfect the affected area to help you get relief. After that, the dentist also carries out filling and sealing the treated tooth to prevent further infection.
In the end, they place a crown over the tooth to restore the strength and function of the affected tooth.
When is Root Canal Treatment Recommended?
A root canal dentist recommends this procedure to you when:
- You tooth is severely decayed or infected, but its structure is still strong enough to be preserved.
- You want to retain your natural tooth and do not want to undergo tooth extraction.
- The natural tooth is essential to maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth and prevent the deterioration of your jawbone.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
According to American Association of Endodontists, more than 15 million teeth are treated and saved every year with root canal or endodontic treatment. This is because of the benefits that root canal treatment offers.
- Root canal procedure can help you keep your natural tooth, enabling you to maintain your bite and jaw structure.
- Root canal can effectively treat the source of pain caused due to infection, decay, or inflammation.
- With proper care, you can make your treated natural tooth (with root canal procedure) last for several years, and in many cases, for lifetime.
- Root canal procedure has a higher success rate of over 97%, which makes it one of the most effective procedures in modern dentistry field.
Tooth Extraction
What is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a complete tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. This procedure is done mainly when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be restored through root canal.
Extraction process can be simple or complex based on the position of your affected tooth – whether it is a visible tooth or for teeth that are broken or impacted during a fall, accident, or injury.
So, as long as your natural tooth can be preserved, it is best to see a root canal dentist instead of a tooth extraction specialist.
When is Tooth Extraction Recommended?
Root canal dentists recommend tooth extraction only in certain cases where it is not possible to preserve your natural teeth. Some of the cases where tooth extraction is preferred are:
- Your tooth is severely decayed, infected, or damaged beyond repair.
- Your dentist doesn’t find enough tooth structure to support the crown or filling after a root canal.
- The tooth is impacted due to injury or space congestion (such as wisdom teeth)
- Removing the entire tooth is essential for other areas of mouth from getting infected.
Benefits of Tooth Extraction
Though tooth extraction is a more drastic measure than a root canal, it also has its advantages:
- The neighboring teeth and gums are safe from the infection.
- You may feel immediate relief from severe pain but you will still feel discomfort due to the procedure but you will stop feeling this discomfort after a few days.
- In severe cases, tooth extraction can help prevent serious oral health issues.
Fact: Did you know 3M (Third Molars) Extraction is the most common dental surgery that U.S. adolescents and young adults undergo?
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Making the Right Decision
Root Canal is Better When:
- You want to preserve your natural tooth.
- The tooth structure is still strong enough to support a crown.
- You want to avoid the need for a dental implant or bridge, which may be required after extraction.
Tooth Extraction is Better When:
- The tooth is too damaged to be saved, even with a root canal.
- The likeliness of infection spreading to other areas is quite higher.
- The tooth is impacted and causing pain or discomfort.
When given both options, the best treatment for you, more often than not, is root canal because of the preservation of natural tooth and less cost. To be honest, nothing feels, works, or appears like your natural tooth. So, as long as you have choice for root canal, it is not worth getting your original tooth pulled out.
How to Care for Your Tooth After a Root Canal
When you undergo root canal, your root canal dentist will give you certain instructions to care for your tooth and avoid any further complications:
- Eat soft foods for the first few days or until you start feeling yourself, with no discomfort in mouth. Soft foods will help avoid putting stress on the treated tooth.
- Visit your root canal dentist for regular dental check-ups to track the condition of your treated tooth, neighboring teeth, and gums.
- If possible, your dentist may place a crown on the treated tooth to protect it from future damage. If the crown falls off or feels loose, contact your dentist immediately.
- When you brush and floss your teeth, pay special attention to the treated area to prevent plaque buildup.
If you’re looking for a reliable “root canal dentist near me“, consider reaching out to All Stars Dental in Houston.
Consult a Reliable Root Canal Dentist in Houston
At All Stars Dental, you will find a trusted root canal dentist in Houston. We aim to offer the best quality dental care, for a range of dental procedures, including root canal and extraction.
Many dental insurance plans in Houston cover part or all of the cost of root canal treatment, making it an accessible option for most patients. If you need help regarding the cost of root canal, we are happy to discuss the procedure, cost, and other essential things to ensure you receive the best possible care at an affordable price.
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