Why Choose A Root Canal Over An Extraction
Posted on: 17 May 2017
If you have a severe cavity, there's a good chance that you'll either need a root canal or a tooth extraction. Some people are so afraid of root canals that they would consider having an otherwise healthy tooth completely pulled in order to avoid a root canal procedure. If you're trying to make a decision on whether to go ahead with a root canal or to have a tooth pulled, read this guide to learn three reasons why a root canal is usually the better choice.
Root Canals Preserve Your Tooth
When you have a root canal, your dentist drills into the tooth to remove infected or damaged pulp. Once this pulp is removed, your tooth is sealed and filled, preventing further damage. The tooth is retained and continues to live. This is a major advantage over tooth extractions, as you won't have a gap remaining following the procedure where the tooth used to be, nor will you need a replacement.
Root Canals Prevent Further Surgeries
Once a tooth is pulled, you'll need to have a replacement put in its place. Leaving an empty spot where a tooth used to be can increase your risk of bone loss in your jaw, which can also put surrounding teeth at risk of being lost. Unfortunately, this means that if you choose tooth extraction and want to avoid bone loss, you'll need to have a dental implant installed. While it's a safe procedure, it will mean being anesthetized and going under the knife again, which will take more time for your body to heal from the trauma it's been through.
Root Canals Save Money
Lastly, root canals tend to be an affordable procedure in comparison to full tooth extractions and replacements. Even if you didn't choose an implant but instead got a bridge put in the place of your extracted tooth, you would need to spend more money in order to have the tooth replaced. Tooth extractions also tend to be more expensive than root canals to begin with since it requires excising the root(s) of the tooth, which takes more time and is a more intricate procedure.
Root canals have a bad reputation, but they're actually a safe procedure that can preserve your tooth. If it's possible for your tooth to be saved via a root canal, you should always pick the root canal over the tooth extraction to avoid more dental work, expense, and time wasted. Talk to your dentist if you have other questions or concerns.
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