Tooth extraction and root canals are two dental procedures that are used to treat damaged or infected teeth. When we compare extraction vs root canal, both techniques are different in terms of treatment procedure and effects; depending on the oral health of a patient.
When to go for a root canal
A broken tooth or tooth decay can damage the innermost layer of your teeth called the pulp. This damage allows bacteria from your mouth to reach the pulp, which can result in infection or swelling. A root canal treats damaged teeth or infected pulp.
Root canal procedure
At first, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. After that, he will make an opening through the affected tooth to remove the damaged pulp; and carefully examine the pulp chamber to clean out the bacteria and fill them with a dental material to replace the damaged pulp.
Finally, the dentist might place a crown on top of the tooth to give it a natural look and strength. You might feel some pain for a few days after the procedure is over, but it will fade out eventually. You can use mild painkillers to ease out the discomfort.
Tooth Extraction
Sometimes it becomes very difficult to restore the natural teeth, and extraction is left out as the only option. This can happen due to many reasons. Sometimes cavity can damage a tooth to a great extent, which can weaken its structure and make it difficult to be repaired. A crack in a tooth that goes down the gum line or a severely fractured tooth also becomes an ideal candidate for tooth extraction.
Call Brenham Family Dental and Orthodontics on 979-421-9685, so our dentists can make the wise decision choosing extraction vs root canal, depending on the condition of your tooth and your oral health.