A sudden, stabbing toothache can bring you to your knees. When a tooth aches, it’s usually an indication of something more serious going on, such as a severe cavity or an infection in the root of the tooth. The pain is unmistakable evidence that something must be dealt with, but the way forward isn’t always clear. The majority of patients deal with the dilemma of choosing between the two most common treatments: preserving the tooth or pulling it out. At Cosmos Modern Dental, we wish to provide you with the facts so that you can make an informed decision.

The Two Main Treatment Options for a Troubled Tooth

When rot or trauma spreads to the soft tissue, or pulp, of your tooth, it can cause intense infection and inflammation. That’s what causes the pain. In these instances, a dentist will generally have two potential treatment options in mind. One is root canal therapy, which eliminates the infection and saves your natural tooth. The second option is tooth extraction, where the tooth is pulled out entirely. Your dentist will determine the best option after conducting a thorough examination of you.

Saving Your Natural Tooth: Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a highly successful procedure designed to save an infected or badly damaged tooth. The procedure involves removing the infected pulp from inside the tooth, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the inner canals, and sealing them off to prevent future infection. The objective is simple: eliminate the pain without sacrificing the natural tooth structure.

Why would you choose a root canal? Your natural teeth work best for chewing, speaking, and supporting the other teeth in their right position. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can move, changing your bite and possibly causing further dental problems. Saving your tooth also avoids the need for a dental implant or bridge to replace the missing tooth, which may be a more complicated, time-consuming procedure. The data reflect that millions of teeth are saved each year by root canal treatment, which justifies its reliability. For root canal vs extraction, root canal therapy is generally the first preference for preserving a natural smile.

When Extraction Is the Better Choice

While keeping a natural tooth is usually the best choice, there are instances where extraction is preferable. This could be the case if the tooth is too damaged that it cannot be repaired, if infection has progressed to the point that it has compromised the support bone, or if the tooth has become loose due to advanced periodontal disease.

A tooth extraction alleviates the pain instantly because the source of the infection is being removed completely. An extraction, however, causes a void that has to be replaced. A gap can lead to a lot of problems, including bone recession in the jaw and shifting of adjacent teeth. Due to this, following an extraction, one should discuss tooth replacement procedures like a bridge or an implant to help maintain one’s mouth’s structure and function. When a dentist must choose between a fractured tooth and having to perform either a root canal or an extraction, they’re always going to prioritize the patient’s long-term oral health. The last decision between a root canal and an extraction depends on what your tooth is like.

Make Your Decision with Confidence

Choosing between these two procedures can be intimidating. The best that you can do is have a thorough discussion with your Elmhurst dentist. They can provide a clear diagnosis using dental X-rays and a clinical exam, and map out the pros and cons of each procedure for your situation. The ideal option is one that is best for your future oral health and allows you to experience a healthy, functional smile. Cosmos Modern Dental intends to educate you so that you can make the right decision for your oral health. Phone us for a consultation. We will tell you what’s happening and direct you on the path of the most suitable treatment for you, so that you can get back to living pain-free.