When a tooth gets injured or infected, you just want the pain to stop. Tooth extraction can sound like an alternative to a root canal, especially when only one tooth is
involved. However, it’s important to look beyond the moment when a natural tooth is at risk.
Sometimes an extraction is the only choice because the tooth is cracked or injured, or because the decay is pervasive. Often, though, endodontists can repair a damaged natural tooth with root canal treatment. Let’s review a few reasons why saving a natural tooth through a root canal is better than having it extracted.
Root Canals Vs. Tooth Extractions: Which Is Best?
- Root canals protect your natural teeth from further damage. Root canal treatments thoroughly clean and disinfect the roots of your teeth. The final step also prevents infection from returning by filling the tooth canals with biocompatible material and placing a crown.
- Root canals keep your natural smile. Dentures, dental implants, or bridges – types of restorations used following tooth extraction – don’t function or look as well as your natural teeth. Endodontists can use root canals or related endodontic treatments to save even badly damaged natural teeth.
- Missing teeth result in cascading dental problems. One extracted tooth can cause your remaining teeth to shift. Multiple extracted teeth can result in bone loss in the jaw and a noticeable “sag” in the lower third of your face. Keeping your natural teeth prevents this.
- Root canals may actually be less painful! Despite what many people think, today’s root canal treatments are usually done under local or IV sedation anesthesia and have little or no pain afterwards. According to the American Association of Endodontists, patients who undergo root canals are six times more likely to describe the experience as painless than those who opt for tooth extraction.
Call Our Office For An Initial Consultation
At Phoenix Endodontic Group, our skilled staff can review your case to determine the best plan for preserving your natural teeth. Call us at 602-242-4745 to make an appointment. We offer emergency treatment options during or outside of regular office hours.