Savanna Market Dental

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which is Better?

Dental professional working with tools, with a monitor in the background

Saving your tooth should be a priority when something goes wrong, but sometimes, you may require a tooth extraction. Your dentist can determine if a root canal in Calgary’s NE or a tooth extraction is the best procedure for an ailing tooth. Treating damaged teeth will help keep your oral health in good shape.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment that removes infected pulp from your tooth. During the procedure, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned then filled with a dental material and sealed back up. The process allows you to retain the integrity of your tooth, often with the placement of a crown to protect what is left.  

What is a Tooth Extraction?

This is a procedure where a dentist removes your tooth from its gum socket, including the root. Extraction may be the only way to prevent the spread of infection or eliminate a dental complication such as crowding. Your tooth or teeth can be replaced with a bridge, implants, or dentures.

Getting a Root Canal

What Are the Benefits of a Root Canal?

Root canals take away the pain that is caused by an infection. Having a root canal usually means you can avoid further dental treatment as it allows you to retain your natural tooth. Keeping your natural teeth offers the benefit of avoiding further dental interventions like implants, dentures, or other prosthetic devices.  

What Are the Cons of a Root Canal?

Though the treatment can save your natural tooth, it may now be frailer and at higher risk for future damage. A crown can help support your tooth to give it extra strength.  You may be wondering “How much is a root canal in Alberta?”. The cost of this procedure will depend on many factors including the number of additional steps required to maintain the integrity of the tooth. Adding a crown, the location of the tooth, and the complexity of the treatment all affect the fee. Of course, saving your tooth outweighs the cost.   

Signs It is Time for a Root Canal in Calgary’s NE

  • Toothache – When you have a throbbing tooth there is likely something going wrong under the surface.
  • Sensitivity – Constant extreme sensitivity to hot and cold drinks or food could mean you have an infection, and it is showing itself in this way.
  • Discoloured Teeth – A colour change from light to dark teeth, or even yellow can be a sign of infection. Infection leads to loss of blood flow which lends itself to this reaction.

 

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Getting a Tooth Extraction

What Are the Benefits of a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is a solid way to prevent the spread of infection. There is nowhere for bacteria to go once the entire tooth and root are removed. When your tooth is extremely damaged, this treatment may be the only option to avoid further damage to your oral health.  

What Are the Cons of a Tooth Extraction?

Having a tooth removed means your other teeth have the potential to shift due to the change in your oral cavity’s structure. The space can lead to bite problems and an out=of whack-looking smile. After a tooth or teeth have been removed a bridge, implant, or denture can solve this problem. Dry socket may also be experienced after a tooth has been extracted. It takes time for the wound to heal and if the blood clot gets dislodged then pain and delayed healing will ensue. Emergency dental will be required to save you from prolonged suffering.

Signs it is Time for a Tooth Extraction

  • Misplaced Teeth – Have your teeth shifted, causing a misaligned smile? This could be a sign you need more space in your mouth and an extraction is necessary.
  • Major Damage – If you have been hit in the face by a ball during a sports game or something has fractured your tooth, you may need to get it pulled out. Extreme damage can cause unbearable sensitivity.
  • Extreme Infection – If your tooth is severely infected it can easily spread to other parts of your oral structure. This infection is painful.

Is it Time for a Root Canal or Tooth Extraction?

A root canal in Calgary’s NE will always be the first option over an extraction unless extraction is the only solution. Your dentist will want you to keep your natural teeth whenever possible. Either way, both procedures help prevent future dental disasters. At Savanna Market Dental, we care about your oral health and take every precaution to ensure you look and feel amazing.

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