Although root canals and tooth extractions may appear to be frightening treatments, you could be among the thousands of individuals who require these dental services this year. At OG Dental, we treat, repair, and replace teeth every day. The comfort and safety of our patients are always our top priority. To help calm your nerves about treatment, Dr. O'Grady answers some questions about tooth extraction vs. root canal.
Our staff strives to remove the damaged and decaying areas of your tooth while leaving the healthy sections of your tooth intact during root canals. Your tooth pain is caused by damage and decay that has progressed all the way to the root, where your nerves are located. After this has been removed and sterilized, it is sealed, and a crown is put over the remaining portion of your good tooth to protect it from further disease and damage.
Tooth extractions are not as extensive as root canal therapy since we just remove your entire tooth. However, we strongly propose a dental implant or bridge to fill the gap left by your missing tooth in order to avoid future complications.
The biggest advantage of root canals is the opportunity to keep your original tooth. While the diseased section of your tooth is removed and replaced with a crown, keeping the healthy portion of your natural tooth protects your general oral health and smile alignment. Root canals also take less time if your dentist offers same-day dentistry, says our friend Dr. Ryan Helgerson, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO.
One of the biggest disadvantages of root canals is that they are not an option for everyone. When your tooth is too damaged or decayed, it loses its purpose. When compared to extraction prices, root canals are likewise expensive. Root canals can easily cost more than $1,000, although tooth extractions are frequently less than $500. However, keep in mind that this is only the extraction cost. If you require a dental implant or prosthetic tooth to fill the gap left by your extraction, the cost may exceed that of a root canal, depending on what you select to replace it with. Your dental insurance will likely cover a good amount of your extraction. If you have no insurance, consider looking into our Dental Membership Plan.
The time you spend at the dentist getting your tooth pulled is substantially shorter than the time you would spend doing the alternative operation. This is only for the extraction surgery; acquiring a dental implant to replace your missing tooth will require further sessions. If you do not have dental insurance or the means to pay for a root canal, tooth extraction is a far more cost-effective choice. You can be liberated of the tooth and the pain it is bringing you in your mouth for a few hundred bucks.
The disadvantage of having a tooth extracted is that it leaves a gap in your mouth. Depending on where the gap is in your mouth, this can make it more difficult to communicate or chew. It can also cause the rest of your teeth to shift. Make sure if you select tooth extraction over root canals, you bridge the gap with an implant.
While you are probably expecting a direct answer to this issue, the truth is that the best option varies from patient to patient. While root canal therapy may be appropriate for some people, the dental health and demands of others make tooth removals more appropriate. The best way to find out which one is perfect for you is to arrange a consultation with our staff at OG Dental.
Whether it's a tooth extraction or root canal, OG Dental is here to help. We are pleased to meet with you to discuss both types of procedures and assist you in determining which choice is best for you based on your discomfort and general oral health. Contact OG Dental right away! After we eliminate the source of your pain and restore your oral health, you'll be all smiles.
