When your tooth is undergoing extensive decay, you may be given two options: root canal or extraction. A root canal is more expensive than a tooth extraction, but for many reasons, you should consider a root canal over an extraction.

Why You Need a Root Canal

Root canals are used to rescue teeth that are diseased, damaged or have dead pulp. If you crack your tooth or if you are suffering from a deep cavity, bacteria can reach your root pulp and cause an infection. This will lead to swelling and the death of important pulp tissue. 

Root Canals are Often Less Painful

You may be concerned with how painful some root canal treatments are, but the pain of a root canal is usually shorter and does not last as long as an extraction. Fortunately, there are several advances in root canal therapy that can make root canal treatments less painful. 

You Need Your Tooth

If you have your tooth extracted, you will likely want to have your tooth replaced with a dental implant. If you are missing a tooth, this will cause chewing issues and may affect your speech. Not having lip support can affect your appearance. Also, when there is a gap in your tooth, this can lead to other teeth drifting to fill in the gap. The gap allows for food to accumulate and this can cause bacteria to further infect other teeth.

The area where the tooth was extracted will be subjected to bone loss. Bones require stimulation to not deteriorate. This can lead to changes in your facial structure and can lead to you developing sunken cheeks. Keeping your original tooth will allow you to smile more naturally. 

Root Canals are Usually Successful

A root canal has a high chance of success. After you have had your tooth treated, you will regain the ability to bite and chew with the tooth. However, it is important to consult with your dentist after the treatment to make sure that your tooth recovers properly. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may not only need root canal, but modifications to the tooth to improve its structure.

The best way to determine which option is best for you is with a conversation with your dentist. If your tooth can be saved, this is typically better than removing it. However, if you have a very deep cavity, your dentist may not be able to save your tooth. 

Contact a center like Apollo Dental Center to learn more.

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