Even when a person practices excellent oral hygiene habits at home every day, it’s possible for teeth to still become infected or damaged. When this occurs, it’s important to have the infected tooth treated at the dentist right away to prevent the problem from worsening and figure out the best option for your specific treatment. In many cases, the dentist will recommend undergoing a root canal treatment in an effort to remove the infection and preserve the natural tooth or have the tooth pulled. However, in some instances, tooth extraction may be a good idea if you are experiencing a lot of tooth pain. At Walnut Creek Dental East, we are committed to providing excellent restorative dental procedure care to help you maintain a beautiful and natural smile for life. Here’s what you should know about choosing between root canal therapy and tooth extraction to treat an infected tooth.
Root canal procedures and surgical tooth extractions have come a long way in recent years. While root canal procedure has caused a lot of dental anxiety for being painful and complicated, this simply is not true. Teeth that require root canal treatment tend to be very painful from the damage or infection inside of them and can cause dental problems, but the extraction site procedure that’s used to treat them is typically quick and painless along with a high success rate. Additionally, root canal treatments are very effective at restoring the health and comfort of an infected tooth. A lot of times, root canal therapy can provide an array of other oral health benefits after tooth removal, including:
While undergoing a root canal treatment may help preserve your natural tooth, there are some instances when having an infected tooth pulled may be a more appropriate option. Extraction procedures, and replacement options, on the affected area in your mouth can make a major difference when you visit a dentist; additionally, it is typically fast and painless, thanks to the help of local anesthetics that will ensure your mouth is completely numb. Some benefits of choosing a tooth extraction to treat a problematic tooth include:
Ultimately, the condition of the damaged tooth, your unique needs, and your personal preferences will determine if a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction is a better choice for you. During your consultation, one of our trusted dentists will discuss the pros and cons of each restorative dental treatment with you based on your physical exam and X-rays that were taken of your infected tooth. Together, you can determine which procedure would be the best fit to restore the health of your smile.
If you experience dental pain, don’t wait to make an appointment with the friendly dental team at Walnut Creek Dental East. Oral health problems won’t get better or go away on their own. On the contrary, they can quickly progress and lead to more complicated dental concerns if left untreated. The good news is that treating an infected tooth doesn’t have to be painful or scary. Our experienced dental team is eager to provide each of our patients with compassionate, comfortable dental care in a relaxing setting. Contact us today to schedule an appointment today and learn more about your restorative dental treatment options. At Walnut Creek Dental East, we are committed to helping you maintain a healthy, comfortable, beautiful smile for life!
Call 614-864-2466 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
