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Root Canal Vs Extraction: Which One Is Most Reliable?

5 min read
Root canal vs extraction- which one is the best option for you? Many are confused about the benefits of these two dental treatments. While tooth extraction is basically performed to remove the tooth that can no longer be saved, a root canal is done to retain the tooth. It's hard to determine which one is highly recommendable for a patient, so <a href="https://southportparkdental.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">you may visit southportdental.com.au</a> to know what's best for you.
dentist smiling with patient

Root canal vs extraction- which one is the best option for you? Many are confused about the benefits of these two dental treatments. While tooth extraction is basically performed to remove the tooth that can no longer be saved, a root canal is done to retain the tooth. It’s hard to determine which one is highly recommendable for a patient, so you may visit southportdental.com.au to know what’s best for you.

 

 

Why Root Canal Over Tooth Extraction

before tooth surgeryAs much as possible, dentists would try to save the natural tooth and avoid extraction. This is because tooth extraction would require follow-up procedures to prevent the complications it poses. When a tooth is extracted, the gap caused by the missing teeth might accumulate bacteria that would lead to infections. Once the site is infected, gum disease and severe dental problems will occur. And when your tooth pain is due to decay, root canal treatment would be your best option.

Root canal vs tooth extraction cost

Indeed a root canal procedure is much expensive than tooth extractions. But if you are going to think about it, tooth extraction will cost you more expenses in the future. As mentioned, it might lead to several complications. Most of the time, people who had their tooth extracted suffer misalignment, dried sockets, and nerve injury. These situations need to be seen by a dentist, and several treatments might be needed. Hence, causing you to spend than save.

One of the reasons why misalignment follows is because most patients think that getting a replacement tooth is not essential. While it may be in favor for some, the case is not always the same. Apart from the effects of extraction on the overall appearance of your smile, the structure of the teeth gets affected as well.

 

Saving The Teeth

If your teeth infection is not too severe and the dentist determined that it can still be saved, the patient will be recommended for a root canal procedure. This treatment is used to resolve decaying, damaged, or dead pulp. The pulp can be found in the inner part of the teeth, and it plays a vital role in providing a good blood flow to one another. Due to cavities or tooth injuries, the pulp may get damaged, and once it’s open, the bacteria find a way to infect it and cause infection.

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

There was once a time when root canal treatment is extremely painful and causes severe discomfort. But thanks to the advancements in dentistry, the health of your natural teeth can be restored without feeling too much pain. If you are concerned about the possible complications, go to this page to see the risks.

The root canal procedure is simple. Your dentist will follow the steps below:

  1. an anesthetic will numb the treatment site
  2. your identity will make an incision to gain access to the pulp
  3. once the decayed or damaged pulp is located, it will be gently removed
  4. after the pulp removal, the open area will be cleaned
  5. next, the hole will be filled with dental material to replace the removed pulp
  6. to keep your smile beautiful, a crown will be placed on top of it, ensuring the success of the procedure

 

Extraction

Sadly, if the infected site has started to get bigger, the chance of getting the tooth extracted will be higher as well. As much as your dental professional hates to do it, your tooth must be removed immediately. Most of the tooth extraction procedures are done due to a huge cavity that eats most of the tooth, putting the surrounding teeth at risk of complications.

Furthermore, if the tooth is severely damaged, extraction may be the safest option for you as well. Yet, you can always talk to your doctor if there are other options available for you.

Tooth extraction procedure

Your dentist will not just decide to remove your tooth without probable cause. Initially, he will think of the best solutions to keep your natural teeth complete. Of course, root canals will be the first thing that will be considered.

However, it will still depend on the severity of the decay. Just like root canals, the dentist will apply a numbing gel to keep you comfortable during the procedure. This will be followed by loosening the tooth from the socket. Once it’s loose, the dentist will either pull it as a whole or drill it into tiny pieces.

Generally, the treated area will heal in two weeks, given that aftercare procedures were followed. Proper oral hygiene should still be followed for successful recovery.

After your extraction, you can also test dental implants as a tooth replacement option. You can check out this link if you want to learn more about the pricing of dental implants.

 

Aftercare following Dental Operations

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Additionally, it would also help if you prepare your home before the operation. There are things to do, and there are things that you will be prohibited to do. Let us discuss them one by one.

Things to do:

  • tooth extraction aftercareGet plenty of rest. Your dentist will most likely ask you to rest for at least two days. But if you could rest for a bit longer, that would be much better.
  • Take your medication according to the doctor’s prescription.
  • Eat soft foods only. These include soup, mashed vegetables, milkshakes, and yogurt.
  • Continue your oral care regimen but be careful in brushing the treated area.

If there are things to do, there are definitely things that you will not be allowed to do, such as:

  • avoid physical activities,
  • do not drink alcohol and avoid smoking
  • stay away from hard foods,
  • do not eat anything that is too hot

Following the aftercare procedure will help you recover quickly. However, if you notice some odd complications, contact Beyond Dental Care today.

 

 

 

 

References:

How to recover from oral surgery (https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/oral_surgery.html)

Root Canal Vs. Extraction: Which Is Right For You? (https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/root-canals/root-canal-vs-extraction)

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