What’s Better: Getting a Root Canal or Tooth Extraction?

So, you’re enjoying your beautiful day, and that’s when it happens—you feel a sudden pain in your tooth. You want it to go away but it’s distracting you from all the fun you had planned. While this may seem like it happens out of nowhere, a toothache is typically a problem that develops over time due to poor oral hygiene. When there is severe decay, you’ll need treatment as soon as possible to get out of pain and back to smiling. Read on to learn about your two different options: a root canal or a tooth extraction.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canals often have a bad reputation of being painful, however this service gets you out of discomfort rather than puts you in it. When decay reaches the inner portion of your tooth, it affects pain-sensing nerves, leading to discomfort and sensitivity. Root canal therapy removes and cleans away the infected tissue in your tooth before filling it with a biocompatible material to strengthen it. After, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to protect it in the future. This option effectively saves your tooth to keep your full smile intact.

The Importance of Tooth Extractions

No one wants to get their tooth extracted, but sometimes it’s the only way to keep you healthy. If a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or injured, it may be causing you great pain. What’s worse is that an infection can potentially spread to other parts of the mouth and body. That’s where a tooth extraction can help! Your dentist will ensure that you’re numb and comfortable before smoothly rocking your tooth back and forth until its extracted. Then, they can develop a custom-made restoration to bring your smile back to its full strength and appearance.

Which Option is Best for You?

The only way to know which option is right for you is to visit your dentist. They will carefully examine your mouth and the affected area before recommending the proper treatment. In most cases, your dentist will do all they can to prevent tooth extraction. It’s in your best interest to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible because they provide you with health benefits like stimulating your jawbone to keep it strong. However, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction if the decay or infection is too severe for a root canal. It will all depend on your smile. What’s most important is that you seek treatment immediately because your tooth pain will only grow worse.

If you have a toothache, no need to worry! Contact your dentist to receive a root canal or extraction and get back to smiling.

About the Practice

Dr. Gregory A. Craybas and Dr. Donald A. Crumb are two dentists who combine their experience and training to get patients out of pain as quickly and comfortably as possible. They offer root canals, extractions, and various other emergency dentistry treatments. For any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (315) 475-6641.