Should I pull a tooth or get a root canal?
Are you faced with the tough decision between getting a tooth pulled and getting a root canal? Take a look at these pros and cons to decide which method is right for you.
Benefits of root canals
When faced with the decision to either extract a tooth or get a root canal, a root canal is typically less expensive and will let you keep your tooth. In the end, nothing feels, functions, or looks like a natural tooth does. Root canals treat the problem, while extractions remove the problem.
Root canal therapy is a more conservative treatment. During the procedure, a dentist removes the damaged tissue and the nerve from inside the tooth. Then, they fill in the tooth with a special material called gutta percha.
Risks of root canals
The risks of root canal therapy are as follows:
If a dentist cannot remove all the bacteria from inside an infected tooth, you may need endodontic retreatment later on. This is quite rare.
A tooth is weaker after a root canal and becomes vulnerable to fractures. However, you can eliminate this risk by investing in a high-quality crown.
Some groups claim that root canal therapy can cause systemic illness. However, this is not a reputable claim.
Benefits Extractions
An extraction is often a larger procedure and can be more uncomfortable than a root canal.
Extractions handle the problem by removing the tooth, including the infected tissue and the nerve that was responsible for the pain.
Risks of Extractions
The risks of tooth extraction are more serious than those that come with root canal therapy. They include:
A loss of volume and mass of the bone that once supported the tooth.
A misaligned bite from the adjacent teeth drifting out of place.
An increased risk of future tooth loss.
If you are struggling with this decision, contact our office at Perry Dental to schedule a consultation!