Desperate times call for desperate measures. Take, for instance, severe tooth damage.
In addition to some potentially intense physical discomfort, advanced tooth decay and structural damage bring with them a crucial question: root canal therapy or tooth extraction? Both provide immediate pain relief and long-term oral health. However, the circumstances in which each is necessary vary — here's how!
Benefits of Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction
A root canal is a minor surgical procedure in which a tooth’s internal “pulp,” consisting of soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves, is removed after becoming damaged or infected following untreated decay or traumatic impact. Root canal therapy’s most immediately apparent benefit is also usually the most welcome — relief from persistent and often quite intense pain. In addition, as root canals are less invasive than dental extractions, they tend to require less recovery time.
Even more important, however, are root canal therapy’s long-term benefits. These begin with the prevention of further damage, which will lead to even more pain if left untreated and, in the case of infection, can affect other parts of the body.
Also, root canal therapy saves a portion of the natural tooth structure. This is important for several reasons, including:
- Maintaining proper biting and chewing function
- Preventing adjacent teeth from shifting out of alignment or overcrowding
- Preserving jawbone integrity, which can deteriorate following tooth loss.
Benefits of Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal
For the reasons we just discussed, dentists generally prefer root canals to tooth extraction. However, sometimes a tooth is beyond saving, either due to irreversible damage or decay or because it’s causing misalignment or overcrowding among other teeth. In these cases, in the interest of both immediate pain relief and preventing wider damage, that tooth must be removed.
It's worth noting that tooth extraction tends to be more cost-effective than a root canal. However, to ensure long-term oral health, post-extraction patients often need a dental implant or bridge at the extraction site.
Effective and Pain-Free Root Canals in Springfield, IL
If you're looking for a dentist in Springfield, IL, to help you determine whether root canal therapy or dental extraction is your best option for immediate pain relief and long-term oral health, contact Dr. Shane Ruggless and the friendly and knowledgeable Ruggless Dental team to schedule a consultation!