Root Canal Therapy vs. Tooth Extraction – Lake Jackson, TX
Tooth decay is a common dental problem that most patients do not take as seriously as they should. While it is true that tooth decay can easily be treated before it causes too much harm to the tooth or smile, it can still pose a serious threat if restorative dental care is not provided. Advanced tooth decay can reach the sensitive tissues that lie at the center of the tooth and within the tooth roots. This kind of dental damage is more commonly known as a root canal infection. Root canal therapy eliminates bacteria and infection from the center of the tooth to restore its health and strength. Many patients fear root canal therapy, but dental advances make this a fast, effective, and virtually pain-free treatment. When it comes to root canal therapy vs. tooth extraction, most of our Lake Jackson, TX, patients can benefit far more from treating root canal infection and preserving the natural structure of the tooth.
Root Canal Therapy: The Procedure
Although many people have fears and reservations about undergoing root canal therapy, most do not actually know what the tprocedure entails. At Bell Dental, root canal therapy treatment can usually be completed in just a single visit. The treatment effectively eliminates infection and restores the strength of the tooth, all without causing significant pain to the patient. Most patients undergo root canal therapy using only local anesthetic to ensure comfort, but we also offer oral sedation for those patients with heightened sensitivity or dental anxiety.
Once the patient has been adequately anesthetized, the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate all traces of infection. To do this, we remove the nerves and tissue from the center of the tooth and clean down the entire length of the roots. After the tooth has been cleaned and disinfected, it will be filled with a rubbery dental compound. As a final precaution, the tooth will be fitted with a dental crown. The dental crown surrounds the tooth to provide added strength and protection.
Why is Root Canal Therapy Preferred to Tooth Extraction?
Some people assume that it would just be easier and more convenient to have an infected tooth extracted. However, tooth extraction should be avoided whenever possible. When a tooth is extracted, it is not just the crown that is removed. The roots that lie beneath the gums are also taken out. A tooth’s roots play an important role in maintaining the strength of the jawbone and the structure of the mouth. Once a tooth has been removed, the jawbone is likely to degenerate, and this process starts almost immediately. A gap in the smile, along with a weakened jawbone, makes it more likely that other teeth will collapse in, causing an imbalance of the entire smile. Root canal therapy preserves the basic structure of the natural tooth and allows a patient to maintain a strong, healthy, and fully-functional smile.
Contact Us
If you are experiencing oral pain or heightened tooth sensitivity, you may be suffering from a root canal infection. To learn more about root canal infection and how it can best be treated, contact us at your earliest convenience. The experienced dentists at Bell Dental are here to restore the health and strength of your smile. We look forward to hearing from you!