When someone experiencing severe tooth decay or infection approaches a professional, they are often given a choice between root canal and tooth extraction. While both help alleviate the pain caused by decay or infection, there are different procedures that patients need to understand before making an educated decision about which is better for them. You can often approach professionals, like Chic Clinic in Kuwait, to get a better understanding of each procedure and then make your decision.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure typically administered to preserve the functionality of severely decayed or infected teeth. Contrary to popular opinion, a root canal is not really the worst thing a patient needs to be afraid of. Dental professionals are equipped with the best facilities and assure comfort throughout the procedure, ensuring a stress-free experience. Decay extends deeper into the tooth pulp, necessitating a repair, which can be professionally taken care of by a root canal treatment to maintain the tooth structure.

How Does a Root Canal Work?

This treatment starts with local anesthesia, which is introduced to prevent inconvenience and pain during the whole procedure. Then, the treatment site gets a small opening to the teeth, through which the infected pulp gets access. This is the area where the infected tissues are removed and all inner chambers of the teeth become cleaned, disinfected, and shaped. In the end, a biocompatible material is placed in the tooth, with sealing under temporary or permanent fillings. Usually, the tooth is brought back to its strength and functionality by covering it with a crown.

Benefits of a Root Canal:

• Preserves the natural tooth: Avoids the need for replacement options like bridges or implants.
• Prevents jawbone deterioration: Maintains the integrity of the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
• Less discomfort in the long run: Though it may seem intimidating, modern root canal procedures are relatively painless and alleviate the discomfort caused by an infected tooth.
• Cost-effective in the long term: While the initial cost may be higher than an extraction, it eliminates the need for additional dental work in the future.

What is a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction involves the removal of the whole tooth from the affected portion of the mouth. The removal is mostly performed in cases where the tooth is not manageable by any other means, i.e., infected badly or whose retention could cause greater risk to the host’s oral health. Although the simple or surgical procedure could cause the extraction, the effects would result in gap formation, cases in which it is possible to add replacements such as a dental implant or bridge. 

How Does Tooth Extraction Work?

Tooth extraction starts with the anesthesia injection to numb the area in question. The very limited use of specialized hand instruments enables the simple extraction of the tooth from the socket. The removal of teeth in severe cases, such as impacted teeth, is done by operation. A surgical extraction necessitates opening the gum line and taking the piece of possible bone, as well. Following the elimination of the tooth, the extracted site is treated, after which gauze is positioned to help prevent any bleeding that may have occurred and in the meantime, foster healing.

Benefits of Tooth Extraction:

• Eliminates infection completely: Prevents the spread of decay or infection to adjacent teeth and gums.
• Immediate relief: Removes the source of pain and discomfort, especially in cases of severe infection or damage.
• Lower upfront cost: Extraction is generally more affordable than a root canal initially, though replacement costs may add up over time.
• Prepares for future restoration: If a damaged tooth is beyond saving, extraction makes room for a dental implant or prosthetic solution.

Which Option is Best for You?

• Severity of the damage: If the tooth structure is mostly intact, a root canal is usually the better option.
• Long-term oral health goals: If preserving your natural tooth is a priority, a root canal is ideal.
• Cost considerations: While extractions are initially cheaper, replacement costs (implants, dentures) may make root canals the more economical choice in the long run.
• Presence of infection: If the infection has spread beyond the tooth, extraction may be necessary.

Conclusion

Now that you have an idea of what a root canal is and what an extraction entails, you can make the decision on which one is better suited for you. If you are still hesitant, you can contact your trusted dentist or another professional like Chic Clinic and help understand both the procedures in greater detail.