To treat diseased or damaged teeth, two dental procedures are available, root canals and tooth extractions that dentists choose from. Comparing root canal vs. extraction can be a bit tricky if you’re not aware of these treatments. But learning about the tooth saving and oral health-restoring methods can help you decide what option to choose.
When is a root canal the better option?
A root canal procedure comes to the rescue to save your natural teeth. If your tooth is infected or the pulp is severely damaged, but it’s possible to save the tooth, root canal is the right treatment. A deep cavity or crack can harm your tooth and damage your tooth’s innermost layer – pulp. This vital layer makes sure the blood reaches the tooth, and it stays healthy. However, a cavity or chipping can allow mouth bacteria to seep into the pulp, causing inflammation and infection. In the worst case, the vital tissue of pulp may die.
When to go for tooth removal?
When it isn’t possible to save your natural tooth, an extraction may be needed. This happens when a person has a significant cavity which deteriorates the tooth structure and makes the tooth really weak and beyond repair. For a severely cracked tooth, the only best option is removal.
Taking care of your mouth after root canals
When you’re done with the root canal procedure, you’ll likely experience slight pain for a few initial days. The soreness can be different for every person varying from slight pain to severe ache. Over-the-counter pain relievers should be enough at this stage to manage the pain. But if you feel like the discomfort is too much or it goes and comes back, consult your dentist right away.
Taking care of your mouth after tooth extraction
Slight bleeding for the first 24 hours after extraction is usually accompanied by light inflammation in the facial area. Applying a cold compress can help alleviate the swelling and soreness. For the first few days, eat soft and cold food items and avoid hard, crunchy foods.
If there’s nothing wrong with your mouth and everything’s going normal, the surgery site will heal within two weeks. In the meantime, take good care of your mouth but don’t brush vigorously, especially around the healing site, as it can irritate the area or even dislodge the blood clot.
Deciding on the best option
When you visit your dentist for the pain and inflammation you’ve been experiencing for so long due to an infected tooth, they will thoroughly examine your condition and plan out the best treatment path for you. If you need to undergo a root canal and you’re concerned about the treatment cost, don’t worry. Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry provides affordable services to fellow Houstonians. Deciding between root canal vs. extraction isn’t an easy choice, but our experienced staff can help you decide what is best for your tooth and oral health. If you have any questions or wish to book a consultation, just give us a call at 949-552-1380. We’ll be more than happy to answer your queries.