Is It Better To Do a Root Canal Or Extraction?

A dentist may recommend a root canal or extraction as a treatment option when a tooth is damaged, decayed, or infected. Each option has advantages and disadvantages; the individual patient’s circumstances will determine the best option.

Root canal therapy involves removing the damaged pulp from the tooth’s interior and cleaning and sealing the tooth. This procedure aims to save the natural tooth and avoid extraction. In addition, a root canal is an effective way of preserving the function and appearance of a natural tooth while preventing the need for a dental implant or bridge.

Extraction, however, entails removing the entire tooth from the socket. This procedure is usually recommended if the tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or infected beyond repair. Extraction is a faster and less expensive option, but it results in a missing tooth, which can affect the alignment and function of the surrounding teeth. In addition, a missing tooth can cause bone loss in the jaw over time.

Finally, whether a root canal or extraction is recommended will be determined by several factors, including the extent of the damage or infection, the location of the tooth, and the patient’s overall oral health. A Dentist at Lindbergh will examine the tooth and recommend the best treatment option for the individual patient.

Before making a decision, you should discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option with your dentist. Then, they can give you advice and answer any questions you have about your dental health, allowing you to make a good decision about your dental health.

How Necessary is Root Canal?

While root canals are frequently required to save an injured or infected tooth, they are not always necessary.

A damaged tooth can be treated with a filling or crown in some cases, especially if the damage is minor or the tooth is only slightly decayed. However, if the decay has reached your tooth’s pulp, root canal therapy may be required to save the tooth.

When a tooth becomes infected or damaged, it can cause severe pain, sensitivity, and discomfort. In addition, an infection can sometimes spread to other parts of your body, causing more severe health problems. Getting a  root canal treatment in Sunset Hills, MO, can stop the spread of infection and keep the tooth from being extracted.

A root canal can also help to preserve the natural bite and alignment of the teeth. When a tooth is extracted, the teeth around it can shift, causing bite problems and potentially further dental problems. The patient can avoid these potential issues by saving the natural tooth with a root canal.

It is important to note that each case is unique, and some situations may not necessitate a root canal. Your dentist at My STL Dentist will assess the extent of the issue on your tooth and advise you on the way forward.

What is the Success Rate Of  Using Root Canal Therapy?

The success of your root canal therapy is determined by several factors, including the tooth’s location, the extent of the damage or infection, and the patient’s overall oral health. However, a root canal generally has a high success rate, and most patients experience pain and discomfort relief after the procedure.

According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), root canal therapy has a 95% success rate. The success rate, however, varies depending on the specific case. For instance, the presence of additional canals or unusual anatomy, the severity of the infection, and the quality of the restoration that follows the root canal procedure are all factors that can affect the success rate.

It’s important to know that the success of a root canal depends not only on the procedure’s effectiveness but also on the patient’s commitment to good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Oral hygiene can help prevent future infections and extend the life of a restored tooth.

A root canal may not be successful in some cases, and the tooth may need to be extracted. A root canal is usually the last resort when all other treatment options have failed.

Before undergoing a root canal, discussing the expected success rate with your dentist near you or endodontist is critical. They can assess your situation and advise you on the best treatment for your dental health.