Two of the most common dental procedures are root canal treatments and tooth extractions and many dentists recommend these treatments to help address severe tooth damage or infection. But which out of the two is the better option? At our dental surgery in Staten Island, we believe in first educating our patients about all of their possible treatment options so they can make informed decisions about their dental health.
Root canal treatment is a procedure which is designed to saved a tooth that has been damaged or become infected. During the dental procedure, our dentist will remove the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth, clean and disinfect the root canal, then finally sealing the root canal with a filling material.
The tooth is then restored with either a crown or filling to provide added strength and protection. This type of treatment is a highly successful procedure, with success rates surpassing the 90% range in a majority of cases.
Unlike with tooth extractions, root canal treatments allow you to keep your natural tooth which for most patients is the best option if possible but it always depend case by case.
After a complete root canal and restorative treatment, the tooth can still function normally, allowing you to chew and speak without any difficulty
By removing any serious infections or damage on the infected pulp, root canal treatments prevent any further spread of infection to other teeth and on the jawbone.
The great benefit of root canal treatment as mentioned previously is that the treatment can last many years with the proper care and maintenance!
The one drawback from root canal treatment is that in most cases it can be more expensive than a tooth extraction, especially if the tooth requires additional restoration treatments such as a crown or filling.
Root canal treatment typically is a longer procedure than a tooth extraction as it will require several appointments with a dentist over a period of weeks.
Tooth extraction treatments consist of the removal of a damaged or infected tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This type of procedure is typically performed under a local anaesthesia given by your local dentist.
The tooth is then replaced with either a dental implant, bridge, or denture if necessary. Each patient case is unique and this will be discussed with the patient at the time of the treatment.
Unlike root canal treatments, tooth extractions are typically a quick and straight forward procedure and can be completed in one appointment.
Tooth extraction is generally less expensive than root canal treatment, especially if no replacement tooth is necessary.
Tooth extractions can help to address a number of issues, such as overcrowding, impacted teeth or in addition to addressing any damage or infections.
The drawback of tooth extractions are the loss of the natural tooth, which can affect chewing, speaking and overall oral health. Before any extraction takes place, we will go through the best possible solution based on your needs.
If the extracted tooth is not replaced with a dental implant or other restoration, it can lead to bone loss in the jaw and shifting of the remaining teeth.
The decision to undergo root canal treatment or tooth extraction ultimately depends on the individual case. In most cases, root canal treatment is the better option because it preserves the natural tooth, restores function, and prevents further damage.
However, tooth extraction may be necessary in some cases, such as if the tooth is severely damaged or decayed, or if the patient has other underlying health conditions that make root canal treatment risky.
At Healthy Smiles, Dr. Joseph Cipriano, will work closely with our patients to determine the best treatment option for their specific needs. If you are experiencing tooth pain or other symptoms, please contact us to schedule an appointment so we can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
