If you are in pain due to a toothache, it is not necessarily the best thing to have an immediate extraction. Sometimes, a root canal may be able to save your tooth.

A root canal is an endodontic procedure that includes the removal of the pulp, or living tissue, from the inner chambers of the tooth. After the pulp is removed from inside the tooth, the dental interior is cleaned and filled. Then, a dental crown is applied to protect and beautify the treated tooth. Here are a few benefits of having a root canal instead of a dental extraction:

Jawbone Stimulation

The roots of your teeth stimulate your jawbone when you bite or chew. This stimulation causes the jawbone to produce additional bone cells that prevent the density of your jawbone from becoming too low.

However, when a tooth is extracted, the root of the tooth is removed, and the jawbone stimulation ceases in that area.

Your Appearance

A gap can alter the look of your smile and make you feel less confident about your appearance. However, a root canal allows your tooth to remain in place.

Also, if a porcelain or porcelain-over-metal crown is used to cover your treated tooth, the crown color can be matched to that of your other teeth. In addition, the shape of the crown can be designed to match the contours of the tooth that is being covered, so the treated tooth looks as though it never underwent a procedure.

Additionally, salvaging the tooth can prevent the sunken, hollow appearance of the face that may result when underlying teeth are no longer available to support the cheeks and jaws.

Tooth Alignment

Missing teeth can encourage the other teeth in your mouth to shift from their original position. Each tooth serves as a placeholder for the teeth that are next to it. However, once a tooth is lost, there is nothing in the missing tooth's space to prevent the other teeth from migrating. Braces may be needed if the dental alignment is affected by the migrating teeth.

If your dentist gives you the choice between a dental extraction and a root canal, choose the root canal. If you are experiencing dental discomfort such as a chronic toothache, unusual dental sensitivity to heat and cold, a pimple-like bump on your gums or foul- smelling liquid leaking from the gums, you may have a dental infection that could be treated by a root canal. For a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area today. Visit a site like http://tlcdentalohio.com for more information.

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