Extractions vs. Root Canals

We understand dental jargon can be over your head sometimes. We don’t expect you to know everything we say in our office, but we do hope to communicate well so that you understand what kind of treatment you or your loved ones are receiving.

When you’re having a problem with a tooth, the last thing you want to do is have to worry about what procedures you’re having done or which ones are best. When you visit Montgomery Dentistry for your regular cleaning and check-up we will fully examine your mouth for any potential issues. Sometimes that can be a cavity, and sometimes that looks like the need for an extraction or root canal. Your average person has never been taught exactly what any of those are, so we are here to help you understand the difference between a root canal and an extraction!

Getting to the Root of the Problem

Both extractions and root canals are typically needed as a result of an infected tooth. The best way to prevent the need for these is by taking good care of those pearly whites and getting them cleaned regularly. However, things happen and we are here to help when you need more serious dental help.

Patients are able to choose which route they would like to take in regards to their treatment. Tooth extractions and root canals alike fix the problem of an infected tooth. But before you do, let us help you compare the two!

Tooth Extractions

Extracting a tooth is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. We remove the infected tooth as a whole to get rid of the problem. The process for a professional is very simple and efficient. But because this treatment is slightly more invasive, it can cause pain afterward.

Tooth extractions can also come with their own set of problems. One being the leftover gaps. When you remove a tooth, space must be held by something called a bridge. Otherwise, a gap left open could lead to an imbalance within your mouth or more infections. So while the root problem is taken care of, you want to take proper steps to ensure you don’t have other issues come up in the future. Our team is more than ready to help you with that.

Root Canal

Another option for taking care of an infected tooth is to have a root canal performed. While this sounds daunting, a root canal can sometimes be a better option because it does not require the removal of a tooth.

With a root canal, doctors can get down to the root to remove the inflamed portion, clean out the root canal, then fill and seal it up. Finally, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown, which leaves it looking and feeling like a normal tooth again! You will be back to normal in no time with a healthier mouth!

When it comes to your mouth you definitely don’t want to let an infection go unnoticed. So whether you opt for a tooth extraction or a root canal, we promise to provide you with the highest quality of care. Call our office today to let us take care of you!