New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
An infected tooth is nothing to take lightly. Not only can it cause extreme pain, but it can also lead to serious complications. When you visit your emergency dentist for care, they may recommend that you undergo root canal therapy or that you get the tooth extracted altogether. Which type of oral surgery is the better option? This blog post provides an overview of root canals vs. tooth extractions.
Root Canals vs. Tooth Extractions: An Overview
During the tooth extraction procedure, your dentist uses gentle force to remove an infected tooth. This ends the toothache and prevents the infection from spreading into nearby tissues. An extraction is a straightforward and effective procedure that can pave the way for greatly improved dental health.
Root canal therapy is somewhat more complex. It seeks to preserve the infected tooth. Therefore, instead of removing the tooth altogether, your dentist uses special tools to access the damaged tissue within it. That tissue, along with the tooth’s nerve, is extracted. Then, the tooth is filled in and usually topped with a crown. Root canal therapy appeals to many people because it can spare patients from the inconveniences that come with tooth loss.
When Is Root Canal Therapy the Better Option?
In the majority of cases, dentists recommend root canal therapy over an extraction for an infected tooth. They want to help patients avoid the complications that accompany a missing tooth, such as:
- Deterioration of the jawbone
- The embarrassment of an incomplete smile
- The expenses associated with high-quality tooth replacement
- Dental drift (a problem wherein the remaining natural teeth drift into the empty space that is left after an extraction)
- Further tooth loss
When Is a Tooth Extraction Better?
While root canal therapy is highly advantageous, it is not always the better treatment option. In some situations, extraction is the wiser course of option. That is true in cases where a tooth is so badly damaged that attempting to preserve it would not be practical.
An extraction may also be preferable if a wisdom tooth is infected. Often, the third molars lead to numerous complications, and removing them can prevent a number of oral health problems.
Which Is Better for You?
After a thorough examination, your dentist will let you know whether root canal therapy or a tooth extraction would be the better choice according to your unique circumstances. It would be wise to listen to their recommendation so you can enjoy the best outcome possible.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group has been serving our community for decades. If you are concerned about an infected tooth or any other issues that could be endangering your oral health, we are ready to serve you. Contact our knowledgeable team at 203-712-4068.