Most of the time, when one experiences tooth decay, it is due to poor oral hygiene practices at home, leading to infection in the tooth. Our teeth are vulnerable to infection because of the soft pulp in the center of each tooth. Neglecting your oral hygiene routine can speed up the decay process and require that you visit a dental clinic in Cranbrook for treatment. Often, there are two options for dealing with an infected tooth: root canal treatment and tooth extraction. What is the difference between the two, and which is best? Keep reading to find out.
What is a Root Canal?
Most people dread the idea of getting root canal therapy in Cranbrook, but today, this procedure is quick and painless, thanks to modern technology. Root canal therapy near you is used as a last resort before having to extract a tooth when it is infected. The purpose of a root canal is to remove the infected tissue from the tooth and restore it without extracting it.
When you visit Symmetry Dental for a root canal, our dentist will begin by numbing your tooth and its surrounding tissue using a local anesthetic. They will then drill a small access hole into your tooth to access and remove any infected or damaged pulp. Next, they will disinfect and clean the inside of your tooth. Finally, they will fill and seal the tooth with a rubber-like material before placing a dental crown over it to protect and strengthen it.
A dentist will almost always suggest a root canal over a tooth extraction, especially if you manage to catch your infection early on. Some symptoms that indicate a possible tooth infection include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold substances
- Tender gums
- Pain when chewing
- A visible bump on your gum line
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see a dentist at a dental clinic near you. The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances are that your tooth can be saved with root canal therapy. It is always in your best interest to keep your natural tooth in your mouth for as long as possible, as missing teeth can cause more oral health trouble down the line and lead to the need for more expensive treatments.
When is Tooth Extraction the Only Option?
No one wants to have a tooth extracted if it can be avoided, especially if it is a front tooth. However, tooth extraction may be the only option to remove decay from your mouth and protect your gums and surrounding teeth in some circumstances.
If your dentist suggests that you get a tooth extraction, you can rest assured that this is in the best interest of your overall oral health. While tooth extraction is not as common as root canal therapy, it is necessary when a tooth has become so decayed that your dentist cannot safely remove the affected tissue.
The process of tooth extraction is simpler than that of a root canal. After numbing the area, our dentist will simply use a tool to gently wiggle your tooth back and forth. Once it is loose enough, they will gently lift it out of the socket.
The Bottom Line
While both root canal therapy and tooth extraction are options for treating tooth infections, root canal therapy is the preferred choice. If this is not an option, then tooth extraction will be performed to protect your oral health. If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, speak to your dentist today.