Tooth decay is a rather common problem. Plaque and tartar can cause tooth decay, and if the infection reaches the pulp or the inner chamber of a tooth, treatment should start immediately. There are two usual options in such cases – pulling or extracting the tooth or root canal therapy. If there is a chance that a natural tooth can be saved, your family dentist in Philadelphia, PA, will recommend that first. Sadly, people have weird ideas about root canal therapy and often believe it to be a complex and painful procedure. In this post, let’s discuss RCT and extractions in detail.
Each infected tooth is different.
Root canal therapy, or RCT, is the process of treating an infected tooth. The dentist will first use local anesthesia so that you don’t feel anything, and when the tooth is numb, they will drill an opening to access the pulp. They will clean the inner chamber, reshape the root canals as necessary, and seal the tooth. The process involves removing the pulp, blood vessels, and decay. If the dentist feels that RCT can prevent an extraction, they will always consider that first.
However, each infected or decayed tooth is different. For example, if you have a deep cavity that has compromised the structure of the tooth, the dentist may recommend extracting it as there is no way to repair the tooth. The same is true for teeth that have deep fractures. In other words, there is no one solution for every patient. Your dentist will do a detailed exam, take X-rays, and check the structure of the affected tooth to make a decision.
Extracting a tooth can have consequences
If you are not keen on root canal therapy because you are worried about the pain and discomfort, you should know that the procedure is no different from an extraction. RCT can be done in one appointment, and you are saving a natural tooth. Extracting a tooth, on the other hand, may sound simpler, but there are consequences. If you don’t replace the missing tooth, other teeth may shift out of position. Also, there will be a rapid decline in bone mass. Losing many teeth can cause a misalignment of the bite and sag your face. Also, if you compare the cost of restorations with RCT, the latter is way cheaper.
Root canal therapy has a high success rate
Most patients see good outcomes with RCT. While dentists often divide the RCT work into two to three visits, it is only done to reduce the time required in one session and to allow the tooth to heal. In a rare situation when a treated tooth becomes infected again, the dentist may recommend root canal retreatment if it is possible to save the tooth. A dental crown is required after root canal therapy.
Other things to know
Root canal therapy is better because nothing compares to the comfort of having your natural teeth. The procedure doesn’t cause any pain, and the recovery time is minimal. You may experience pain after the anesthesia effects wear off, but these minor issues should subside in a week. If you remove an infected tooth and decide to get a dental implant, the recovery time is much longer. Even standard and conventional restorations like bridges and dentures don’t feel as comfortable as your natural teeth.
Final word
Meet your dentist in Philadelphia and ask relevant questions before you choose between the options. Root canal therapy is ideal over extracting a tooth when the structure is intact. Let your dentist guide you through the entire procedure and educate you on the pros and cons of available treatments.
