Save Your Tooth From Extraction With a Root Canal Treatment

Tooth decay is a common dental worry that may not only be painful but also ruin your beautiful smile. Letting go of the damaged tooth may be the hardest dental decision you make, especially when other options might work out to save the damaged tooth. The first question that is likely to cross your mind is, how badly damaged is the tooth you want to save? If ever your dentist presents you with such an idea, always inquire of the pros and cons of each decision, and understand the options well before you make a choice. While an extraction will rid you of the entire tooth, root canal treatment in New York at Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates might be the procedure you need to preserve your tooth.

Why would your dentist recommend a root canal treatment?

If your tooth's pulp is dead, damaged, or diseased but viable, a root canal could be the only treatment your dentist will recommend. Your doctor will administer local anesthesia during the treatment before creating a tiny incision into your tooth to expose your canals. Your dentist will then clean the damaged tissue before disinfecting your canals. After disinfecting the canals, the professional will fill the canals with gutta-percha to fill the canal space and protect your tooth from infection.

Though a missing tooth might be easy for your dentist to replace with advanced dental solutions, the replacement might not feel like your natural tooth. Additionally, the healing process after an extraction might take longer and be slightly painful, which you may not feel with a root canal treatment. Unlike an extraction, a root canal may not require another dental procedure. However, you may need a few dental visits (depending on your situation's severity) to complete the treatment.

What are the signs that indicate you might need a root canal treatment?

Various indications might prompt your doctor to recommend the treatment. They include:

• Tooth discoloration
• Tooth mobility
• Cracked or chipped tooth
• Painful to touch or while eating
• Swollen gums
• Tooth sensitivity
• Persistent pain

What should you expect after the treatment?

After a root canal treatment, you might feel pain for a few days. The pain may vary from acute pain to sharp pain or dull ache, which you will manage with medication. Your dentist may also advise you to contact him when the pain is intense or fails to subside. The professional will also advise you not to eat solid foods for a while to give your tooth time to heal and prevent food particles from forcing their way to the treatment area.

Is a root canal procedure painful?

As scary as the treatment sounds, a root canal is not as painful as you might think, thanks to advanced technology. You are likely to feel no pain because your dentist will administer local anesthesia to the treatment site. As a result, you will feel numb throughout the treatment.

Choosing between a root canal treatment and an extraction may be challenging. However, your dentist might help you make the best decision. Though an extraction may permanently rid you of the damaged tooth, a root canal treatment may help save your natural tooth. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to know your options with a root canal.