Root Canals Vs. Tooth Extractions: Making The Right Choice

Having problems with your teeth due to decay or damage can be a tough experience for everyone. The good thing is that nowadays there are several procedures available that will help you fix this issue. In this blog post, we will talk about two main techniques that will help treat damaged teeth: root canals and tooth extractions. 

Both these procedures are a great way to remove pain and help preserve the health of your teeth but they are slightly different from each other. Although a professional dentist will help you choose which is the right technique for you, we want to provide you with the basic information so you will be properly informed. 

Root Canal Explained

Firstly we will start by explaining the root canal procedure also known as endodontic therapy. The purpose of this technique is to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. During this procedure, the dentist will remove the infected pulp which is made of connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. 

This technique aims to prevent further infection of your mouth by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the interior of your tooth and removing bacteria. Once the first step is done, the dentist will fill the gap with a biocompatible material which will be sealed to avoid the possibility of another infection. Furthermore, we will explain the root canal procedure in more detail:

Procedure Overview

As we mentioned before the first step of the root canal procedure is the removal of the infected pulp located inside the tooth. The second step includes cleaning the area and adding the filling to prevent further infection of the tooth. 

Advantages Of The Root Canal Treatment

The reasons why you should consider the root canal procedure are:

• This procedure will allow you to maintain the natural structure of your tooth and its functionality.
• After the procedure is done, the pain and discomfort that the infection is causing will be eliminated.
• Tooth extraction won’t be needed so you will avoid potential gaps in your teeth. 
• The root canal treatment will help individuals maintain the look and functionality of their teeth without the need to replace them completely. 
• If you choose to go with the procedure you won’t have the need to extract your tooth. 
• There won’t be a gap left on the arch of your teeth, preventing further damage to your jaw. 

Disadvantages Of The Root Canal Treatment

The reasons why you should decide to go for another procedure are:

• Root canal procedures may require several dental visits so if you do not have the time you may choose another procedure. 
• This technique is more expensive than extraction. 

Recovery And Aftercare

The aftercare and the recovery process after a root canal treatment will be short and not painful however you may face some discomfort and sensitivity in your teeth for the first few days. Also as you might know follow-up appointments and regular dental checkups are always a good idea. You won’t need to make additional changes to your oral hygiene but don’t forget to floss and brush your teeth at least twice daily. 

When Is A Root Canal Recommended?

Usually, your tooth will give you signs when something is wrong. If you notice any signs of pain or high sensitivity you should set a dental appointment just to be sure. Usually, the need for a root canal arises when the pulp of the tooth which is the inner part of the structure of the tooth, gets infected or inflamed. 

Usually, inflammation or infection happens due to different dental issues including deep decay of the tooth, different dental procedures done on the same tooth, or accidents that can damage the structure of your teeth. When the pulp gets infected it will send you several signals that mean something has to be done to treat it.

As we mentioned before if you experience a sharp toothache or a lot of discomfort coming from one single tooth, it is most likely that you will need a root canal treatment. Also if you notice that your teeth have become sensitive to cold or hot foods, this might be a sign that something is not right. Another indicator that the tooth has become infected is swelling around the gums which is a visible sign that shows the need for attention from a professional. 

Identifying and recognizing these early symptoms will be very beneficial because the earlier the problem is diagnosed by a professional the better. If these symptoms are neglected the issue will get worse which will lead to more serious harm and complications which your oral health. 

Root canal procedures will not only address the pain and discomfort but will also help you preserve the structure of your whole jaw because if a tooth is extracted and not replaced it will cause a shift. This way you will also keep the nearby teeth healthy and in place. 

As a result, you should consider symptoms like a severe toothache, increased sensitivity, or swollen gums as your body’s signal to consult a dentist. In order to save the structure of your tooth, relieve discomfort, and maintain the long-term health of your oral cavity, prompt root canal therapy may be recommended.

How Does Root Canal Helps Relieve Dental Pain

A root canal is a minimally invasive dental operation used to treat severe decay and damage-related discomfort. When you first see your usual dentists, they will evaluate the severity of the problem and determine whether a root canal is the right treatment for you or if you should consider another one

When a tooth has been severely broken or infected but yet has hope of being healed with the right support and care, a root canal procedure is intended to preserve it. The process includes extracting the infected pulp, filling and sealing the tooth again, and then cleaning and sanitizing the inside.

The root canal procedure will help you preserve the function and structure of your tooth, which will allow you to smile, eat, and bite just like you normally would. Maintaining the natural structure of your teeth will help you preserve the surrounding jawbone while also keeping the appearance of a healthy smile. This technique is also less expensive than dental implants so if it is possible, we suggest you go with this technique. 

Root Canal Aftercare

• The first and most important thing is maintaining good oral hygiene which involves brushing and flossing your teeth regularly at least twice a day. This way your new tooth will be free from further infections. 
• Try to avoid hard foods and sticky ones as much as possible. These kinds of foods will not only damage the treated tooth but may also harm your natural ones. 
• Try to not neglect regular appointments at the dental clinic. These appointments are essential because the dentist will be able to monitor how the process is going and to make sure that the tooth is free from infection. 

Tooth Extraction Explained

Tooth extraction procedure also known as Exodontia is a procedure that involves removing a damaged or infected tooth from your mouth. Usually, this procedure is recommended when there is nothing else to be done and when the damage and infection go beyond repair. 

This procedure will be done under the effect of general anesthesia because the surrounding area should be totally numb. This procedure cannot be done without the help of a specialized dentist. With their specialized dental instrument, they will pull the tooth and move it from side to side to help it get loose from its socket. After this, they will move it entirely from the mouth. Furthermore, we have included some additional information about the tooth extraction procedure. 

Procedure Overview

The tooth extraction procedure is simple because it only includes the numbing of the area and the extraction of the tooth from its place. After some time you can consider replacing the missing tooth with implants or other options that your doctor will explain. 

Advantages Of Tooth Extraction

• Because the damaged tooth causes pain and discomfort, after it is extracted you will feel relieved immediately. 
• Tooth extraction will be the only possible procedure at times when the tooth is too damaged or compromised to handle any other procedures like root canals or dental crowns. 
• If you don’t have much time and just want a cheaper option, tooth extraction will be a better option than root canal therapy. 

Drawbacks Of Tooth Extraction

Just like every other dental procedure, even tooth extraction has its disadvantages. Firstly, as you might know, losing your natural tooth is never a good thing. This will affect both the appearance and the functionality of the tooth making it difficult for you to do your normal everyday functions. 

Second of all after the tooth extraction procedure is done, the space left after the tooth is removed, you need additional procedures to fill it like dental implants or bridges. This will help the neighboring teeth from moving and help you maintain the normal functions of your teeth like biting and chewing. As you might know, a missing tooth will change the alignment of your teeth and over time it will cause further dental problems. 

Recovery And Aftercare

The dentist will give you the right instructions to help you heal properly so follow them carefully. Also, keep in mind that during the first few days, you should avoid strenuous activities and only eat soft foods like smoothies and soups. If you still haven’t, consider replacement options to prevent the above-mentioned problems. The oral hygiene routine will be the same so don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. 

When Is Tooth Extraction Recommended?

Keeping your natural teeth is always recommended and the dentist will do their best to save them. However, sometimes this is not possible and other restorative procedures like dental fillings and crowns will not be possible or they won’t be enough. When the tooth has been damaged to the point of no recovery, tooth extraction will be the only option left. This procedure will be recommended when:

• The tooth decay is severe.
• The tooth is greatly fractured or impacted.
• When you have severe gum disease.
• When your teeth are overcrowded.

How Does Tooth Extraction Help Relieve Dental Pain

If you are facing significant pain from a tooth that has decayed or has been damaged, tooth extraction will be the right procedure for you. Usually, dentists will not recommend this procedure due to the other side effects that may happen but sometimes it may be the only choice. Sometimes extraction will also be used to fix the misalignment or overcrowding issues before placing the orthodontic appliances. 

Even though extraction itself seems cheaper and easier compared to a root canal, you should know that after the procedure is done, the space needs to be filled with dental implants which will be more expensive in the long run. This is why some people will choose a root canal treatment over a tooth extraction.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

• After the tooth is extracted you may face some pain. To manage it the dentist will recommend some painkiller medications. 
• After the few first days after the tooth is extracted you should avoid touching or applying pressure to the extraction site. The dentist will recommend you how to take care of your mouth so strictly follow it. 
• Stick to a soft diet in the first days after the extraction. The diet should include soups, smoothies, and everything that doesnt require a lot of chewing. This way you will avoid pressure on the surgical site and avoid hurt and discomfort. 

Making The Right Choice: Root Canal Vs Tooth Extraction

If you are in between a root canal or a tooth extraction, we recommend you consider the following factors:

Extent Of Damage

Depending on the extent of the damage the dentist will recommend either a root canal procedure or an extraction. If the tooth structure can still be saved the dentist will most likely be suitable for a root canal. On the other hand, if the damage is beyond repair and there is nothing he can do then extraction will be necessary. 

Long-Term Oral Health Goals

Talk with your dentist about the long-term oral health goals and what you would prefer. Consider every factor including the cost, the time that each procedure will take, and the impact that they will have on the nearby teeth. Also keep in mind that if you choose to extract the tooth, you will need another treatment to fill the space. 

Conclusion

Choosing between a root canal treatment and tooth extraction is not a simple decision and it will take you some time. Both procedures have their advantages and disadvantages and each one of them addresses specific issues. However, they both will play a huge role in the preservation of your oral health. 

Deciding on the right treatment relies on the understanding of each procedure and how they work. This will better be explained by a dental professional so make sure you choose the right one. Consulting with our staff and dentist here in Albania will help you choose the best course of treatment. We will become your trusted guide, providing you with our expertise and the right information. 

Keep in mind that the aftercare is also important when it comes to the success of the procedure. The dentist you choose will provide the right information and carefully stick to it. It doesnt matter if you choose root canal therapy or tooth extraction, they both have their limitations, so to raise the chance of success, carefully follow the recommendations given by the dentist.