When major dental issues like a severely damaged or infected tooth appear, you might be left with only two options: a root canal or tooth extraction. Understanding the difference between the two procedures and which is best for you is crucial to making the correct decision for your oral health. Following is a description of both, along with some insight from Dr. Gula on how to decide what is best in your situation.

Root Canal Treatment: Save Your Tooth

A root canal is a procedure that saves a badly infected or damaged tooth. It extracts the infected or decayed pulp from inside the tooth, cleans it, and seals it to prevent infection.

This is the best option for the majority of patients because it allows you to keep your natural tooth. Your tooth functions just the same as it did before the infection, so your smile is the same, and you don’t need to worry about having a missing tooth or needing a dental implant in the future.

The benefits of a root canal include:

• Preservation of your natural tooth: It avoids the need for a more complex restoration like a dental implant.
• Relief from pain: A root canal eliminates the infection causing the toothache, providing instant relief.
• Improved function: Since the tooth is saved, you can continue eating and speaking normally.

Tooth Extraction: Get Rid of the Problem

On the other hand, tooth extraction includes the removal of the entire tooth, root included. This is the last option when a tooth cannot be saved, either due to serious decay, damage, or infection that even a root canal may not fix.

The recovery from tooth extraction takes longer than a root canal, and there is always a risk of complications, i.e., infection or dry socket. A missing tooth can also affect the way you chew, speak, and maintain your dental structure, which can lead to long-term problems.

Which Option Is Best for You?

A root canal vs. tooth extraction decision depends on the extent of your tooth’s damage and your smile goals. Consider the following factors:

• Severity of Damage: If your tooth is severely damaged or infected and it cannot be saved through a root canal, then it needs extraction. However, if the tooth can be saved with a root canal, then that is always the better option.
• Long-Term Dental Health: Keeping your natural teeth is almost always preferred for your long-term dental health. An extraction, while sometimes unavoidable, can lead to issues like bone loss or tooth movement, which can require additional procedures.
• Pain and Discomfort: If your tooth causes a lot of pain or discomfort, a root canal could bring instant relief. But if the tooth is irreparable, extraction could be the only solution to avoid spreading the infection.

At the end of the day, it’s a good idea to sit down with a trusted dental professional like Dr. Gula to weigh your choices. In most cases, the tooth can be preserved with a root canal, and this is generally the best choice. Not only can you retain your natural smile, but you can also avoid the issues that come with tooth loss.

Dr. Gula and the team at City Edge Dental are here to guide you through every step along the way, assisting you in making the optimal decision for your dental health.