If you have deep decay or infection in a tooth, there are two usual options – Having the tooth extracted or going for root canal therapy. Patients often assume that getting the infected tooth removed is the best way to avoid further toothaches and complications. Dentists, on the other hand, will consider root canal therapy if there is a possibility to save the natural tooth. Your Mississauga general dentist will take a call based on the findings and a detailed oral exam, but for your help, we are answering top questions comparing both options below.
Is root canal treatment more painful than extraction?
The short answer is no. Both procedures involve using a local anesthetic agent, and therefore, you won’t feel anything during the treatment. Patients often have a misconception about root canal therapy that the treatment is complex and will cause pain, which is untrue.
Is root canal therapy necessary?
Your dentist is the best person to answer that question, depending on what they see in the X-rays and during the initial exam. If the pulp is infected, diseased, or damaged, it may be possible to clean the tooth from inside and avoid an extraction. Nothing compares to your natural teeth, and if your dentist feels RCT can save the tooth, they will always consider that.
When is it better to remove an infected tooth?
For very large cavities that compromise the structure of the tooth or when an infected tooth is too weak to repair, an extraction is the best way forward. At times, a large part of an injured tooth may be missing, and it may not be viable to consider root canal therapy. Also, if there is a crack in the tooth that goes beyond the gumline, extraction is probably better than RCT.
Are there any risks of root canal therapy?
Like most endodontic procedures, there are certain risks of root canal therapy too. If the root canals are curved or calcified, the initial treatment may fail to remove the bacterial growth entirely, which may lead to complications like toothaches. While retreatment is an option, the dentist may consider removing the affected tooth after failed RCT in some cases. Following root canal therapy, the treated tooth becomes weak and remains prone to fractures. However, your dentist can address this risk by placing a crown, which will restore the function and shape.
What are the risks of a tooth extraction?
Compared to RCT, the risks of a tooth extraction are higher. Once a tooth is pulled out, the bone underneath starts losing volume and mass. Getting an implant becomes necessary, and the treatment time can be considerably longer. Also, if there is already a rapid decline in bone mass, bone grafting may be required. Removing a tooth may also cause the adjacent teeth to shift, which can cause bite issues.
What about the costs?
Extraction is always cheaper than root canal therapy, although that doesn’t necessarily mean it is a better option. RCT requires more work, and while many patients don’t need more than one appointment, the procedure is still more complex for the dentist. You can ask the clinic for a detailed breakdown of the treatment cost, and many dental offices offer flexible payment plans, especially when the treatment/procedure requires multiple steps or appointments.
Final word
It is always advisable to trust your dentist in Mississauga to decide whether you should choose one option over the other. Both are safe procedures with limited risks, and it is critical to weigh the pros and cons in detail. If you have questions or want to understand the aftermath of each option, talk to your dentist in more detail.