When a tooth becomes seriously damaged or infected, patients are often left with a tough decision: try to save it with a root canal or take it out with a tooth extraction.
While extraction may seem like a quick and easy fix, it can lead to a whole set of problems later, like shifting teeth and expensive replacements. Root canal therapy, although often feared, is a great way to keep your natural tooth and avoid many of those complications.
With a root canal by top dentists in Fort Lauderdale, you can help preserve your smile, protect your overall oral health, and save you money in the long run.
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that has become infected or suffered significant damage.
Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected—often due to deep decay, injury, or cracks in the tooth—it can result in intense pain and even cause the tooth to die if not treated.
During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the interior of the tooth, and fills it with material to seal it and prevent further infection.
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that’s beyond saving from its socket in the jaw. The process typically begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring you feel no pain.
Depending on the tooth’s condition, the dentist may use forceps to loosen the tooth and gently remove it. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
After the tooth is extracted, the area is cleaned, and the dentist may place a stitch to help the gum heal.
The idea of a root canal may seem daunting, but modern techniques have made the procedure far more comfortable than many people realize. While the process does involve removing the infected pulp from inside the tooth, most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure, thanks to local anesthesia.
After the root canal, some mild discomfort is normal, but it’s usually much less intense than anticipated. Most people find that over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to manage any soreness during the first few days of recovery.
In contrast, tooth extraction tends to involve more immediate pain. Swelling, bruising, and bleeding are common after the procedure, and the recovery period can be a bit longer. You might need stitches and a follow-up visit to make sure everything is healing as it should.
Root canal therapy looks more expensive upfront, but it can actually save you money in the long term.
If you choose extraction, you’ll likely need to replace the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture—each of which involves additional procedures, time, and expense. Root canal therapy allows you to preserve your natural tooth, so you avoid the need for costly replacements.
If you have dental insurance, many plans will cover a significant portion of the root canal procedure. When you consider the potential costs of future treatments, root canal therapy often proves to be the more cost-effective choice.
One of the most significant advantages of root canal therapy is the long-term benefits it provides.
When a tooth is extracted, it can cause a domino effect in your mouth, leading to issues like shifting teeth and jawbone deterioration. The jawbone where the tooth was removed can also start to shrink, which may change the shape of your face and affect your bite.
Over time, surrounding teeth may shift out of place, causing misalignment that can result in difficulty chewing or speaking and making your smile look different.
Root canal therapy helps you preserve the tooth—and the bone structure around it—ensuring that your bite stays intact and your jawbone remains strong. The tooth itself can remain functional for many years with proper care, and in some cases, a root canal-treated tooth can last forever.
While root canal therapy is often the preferred choice for saving a tooth, there are cases where extraction is the more appropriate option.
If a tooth is severely decayed, damaged, or infected beyond repair, extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth or bone. When a tooth has been weakened by trauma or has advanced periodontal disease that can’t be treated with a root canal, extraction may also be the safest route.
Another situation where extraction is advisable is when a tooth is causing overcrowding or misalignment in the mouth. Wisdom teeth often need to be removed when there isn’t enough room in the mouth, or if they’re impacted, causing pain or potential infection.
Ultimately, your dentist will guide you in determining if extraction is the right choice for your situation.
A root canal may be needed if you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or signs of infection in your tooth. Some common indicators that it might be time to see a dentist include:
Don’t let tooth pain linger! If you’re experiencing discomfort or suspect you may need a root canal, early treatment is key to saving your tooth and avoiding more extensive procedures.
At TLC Dental, we’re here to provide expert care and support, from diagnosis through recovery. Contact us today to book an appointment and take control of your oral health!
