If you have to decide between a root canal or tooth extraction, it is likely because your tooth is infected and you're experiencing severe discomfort. Many people just want to remove a tooth when it's uncomfortable; however, there are certain advantages of root canal treatment in Edmond, like preserving your natural tooth. Here's what you should know.
The Downfalls of Tooth Extraction
If you need a tooth extracted that is not a wisdom tooth, it will be essential to think about replacing that tooth as soon as possible to protect your dental health. Without a tooth replacement, neighboring teeth move and shift into the spaces left by tooth loss, resulting in problems like bite misalignment, periodontal (gum) disease, and tooth fractures. In addition, bite misalignments often lead to painful problems with your jaw joint (TMJ).
When you lose a tooth, you also lose a root, which means your jawbone has nothing left to support. Without a root to support, your bone begins to dissolve and deteriorate, which diminishes support for and could impact surrounding teeth.
How Root Canal Treatment Saves Your Tooth
If you're struggling with an infected tooth, it is painful. We're talking about the kind of pain that keeps you awake during the night; unfortunately, a tooth infection doesn't resolve on its own. However, treating an infected tooth with root canal treatment relieves your pain, eliminates the infection, and saves your tooth from being extracted.
Once your tooth heals after your root canal, Dr. Chandler will rebuild it with a permanent crown or filling to strengthen it again so you can eat and chew with ease.
To Answer the Question
Our goal at Edmond Dental Center is always to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. So if root canals in Edmond, OK, are an option for you versus tooth extraction, it is ideally the better choice.
If you find that you need a tooth extraction, Dr. Chandler can help you decide on the best tooth replacement option for your needs. Contact Edmond Dental Center at (405) 330-4630 for more information.
