Root Canal or Extraction?

Saving teeth is a dentist's primary concern – a tooth can be lost by periodontal (gum) disease and severe tooth decay. When conditions are left alone and are given time to move into the pulp and/or roots of a tooth, your dentist will have to determine if a root canal can save the tooth or if extraction is necessary.

In the past, a severe tooth problem would lead to extraction. Thanks to advancements in dental technology and procedures, dentists are able to focus on saving the tooth whenever possible.

Getting a Root Canal

A root canal involves removing the diseased pulp – the soft inner part of the tooth containing nerves, tissue and blood vessels – and eliminating infection, in order to save the tooth. It is used to treat inflammation, a dying tooth, or a necrotic (dead) tooth. After the pulp is removed, the chamber and root canals are filled and sealed with the rubber-like material, gutta-percha. The remaining tooth structure is then capped with a crown, in order to resume the natural function of the tooth. 

Extraction

Extraction is final -- it is the removal of the affected tooth/teeth. In cases of a single extraction, patients are given local anesthetic to numb the area – more complex situations, or multiple teeth may require general anesthetic to prevent wide-spread pain. When an infected or severely damaged tooth is removed, other options, such as dental implant-supported crowns and dentures are suggested as a solution to fill the gap. 

Which One is Better for You?

An experienced dental professional can offer in-depth information and advice on how best to proceed. However, when making your decision, it is worth keeping a few things in mind:

Cost – Every case is different, so it is important to find out fromyour dentist what your options are and how they may affect your long-term health. Simple extractions are affordable, but replacing the teeth will add to the price. A root canal is a one-time procedure that only takes 1-2 visits, and doesn't usually require follow-up appointments, other than routine checkups.

Oral health – Simply extracting the tooth leaves a space. If not filled, the gap can cause the surrounding teeth to shift. Shifting teeth cause more problems, such as jaw pain, and stress on other remaining, natural teeth. Crowns or caps will cover-up and protect the remaining original tooth after root canal therapy, protecting your bite..

Understanding your situation – It is best to talk to your dentist about your options. Dr. Mondavi wants you to be happy with your smile but will also have your best health interests in mind. Ultimately, you are the deciding factor in which treatment/procedure is done. Take the time to listen to the pros and cons and how they may affect your health and your budget.

If you are having continuous tooth pain, it is time to talk to your dentist. BlueSky Family Dental, your Torrance dentist office includes a trained staff to help you with questions, insurance claims and understanding the next step in restoring health into your smile. Contact our office today.