If you’ve been suffering from a throbbing toothache, abscess, or infection, chances are that bacteria has reached the pulp of your tooth and is causing an infection or decay. Time is of the essence in these situations, and an appointment with a dentist near you will tell you so.
Your dentist in SE Calgary will most probably suggest two options namely,
- Root Canal
- Tooth Extraction
While both procedures can seem intimidating if it’s your first time, a root canal is usually preferred over a tooth extraction due to several reasons. Here, we will discuss both procedures to help you make an informed decision.
Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction is a dental surgery that involves taking a tooth out of its socket in the jaw bone as a means to get rid of decay or infection. It may be required to undergo this operation for a number of conditions, including severe decay, gum disease, an accident, or overcrowding.
The procedure is often carried out by a dentist or oral surgeon, Although the idea of having a tooth pulled out can be frightening, the surgery is typically simple and quick and is sometimes needed to preserve good oral health.
Possible Complications
While tooth extractions are generally considered to be a safe procedure, there is always a risk of complications. These can include:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Dry socket
- Damage to surrounding teeth or structures
Root Canal
A root canal is a dental operation in which the damaged or infected pulp of a tooth is removed from its root canal. The tooth's nerve and blood vessels, which provide the tooth with nutrition, are located in the root canal. Inflamed or infected pulp can result in excruciating pain and more critical oral health issues. The safest choice for salvaging a broken tooth and regaining its original function is generally a root canal.
Process of getting a root canal
The dentist or oral surgeon will check the patient's medical records and inquire about any drugs they are currently taking prior to the root canal operation. In order to determine the degree of the damage, they will also thoroughly examine the tooth and take x-rays.
In order to numb the region around the tooth, the root canal operation is often performed under local anesthesia. The pulp chamber and root canals are then accessed by the dentist or oral surgeon using specialized instruments to create a small opening at the top of the tooth.
After that, the damaged or infected pulp from the root canal will be removed using tiny files. To get rid of any germs or debris that might lead to additional illness, they will then disinfect and clean the root canal. When the root canal has been cleansed, the dentist or oral surgeon will seal it by filling the canal with gutta-percha, a substance that resembles rubber.
Eventually, they will cover the tooth with a filling or a crown to safeguard it and make it functional again.
Post-operative care
After the root canal procedure, the dentist will provide guidelines for postoperative care. This may include:
- Take over-the-counter medications for the pain.
- Avoid chewing on the site until it is completely healed.
- Brush and floss regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment to check the healing progress.
- Put an ice pack over your jaw to ease the swelling.
- DO NOT smoke or consume alcohol for at least 48 hours after the surgery.
- Avoid any physically demanding activity for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid crunchy or hard foods to refrain from fracturing the tooth.
Difference between Root Canal and Tooth Extraction
The ability to preserve one's natural teeth after a root canal is a huge benefit. Although treatment can be more costly than removing a tooth, it is often the more economical solution in the long run.
The fact that tooth extractions frequently take less time than root canals is another significant benefit. Additionally, in some circumstances, it might be a more economical choice.
Major Differences
- The following are the main distinctions between a root canal and tooth extraction:
- While a tooth extraction removes the tooth, a root canal attempts to preserve the natural tooth.
- While tooth extraction may occasionally be more economical, a root canal can serve as a less pricey but long-term cost-effective alternative.
- A tooth extraction often takes less time than a root canal because it is a more complex treatment.
Get your root canal in SE Calgary
Root canal and tooth extraction are both common dental procedures that aim to address dental problems. While both procedures have their advantages and disadvantages, it is essential to understand the key differences between the two to make an informed decision about your dental health. The decision to have a root canal or tooth extraction depends on the patient's specific dental needs and goals. It is best to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon to determine which procedure is right for your situation.
The patient can decide which procedure is suitable for their particular case in a discussion with a competent dentist. Our dentist in SE Calgary offers trustworthy advice and root canal therapy near you.
