Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is a fairly frequent dental condition that is usually caused by infections & poor oral hygiene, which requires an emergency dentist. Our teeth are susceptible to infection because each tooth has a soft hollow in the core that allows bacteria to grow. According to estimates, over 91 percent of the population in the United States has cavities, with approximately 65 percent suffering from tooth decay.
In the case of a rotten tooth, the only guaranteed remedy is either root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Even though the phrases “root canal” and “tooth extraction” are often used in dentistry, many individuals are unaware of the specifics of what each procedure includes. As a result, the notion of undergoing these treatments may be very nerve-wracking and unpleasant for some people. Let’s take a look at both procedures to have a better idea, and if you have a rotten tooth, this will assist you in making a choice.
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is an emergency dentist procedure in which the soft center of the tooth, referred to as the pulp, is removed from the teeth. A pulp is composed of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels, all of which contribute to making the tooth. This becomes essential when a nerve gets infected or injured, which may occur as a result of any traumatic injury to the mouth or over time as a result of tooth decay and decaying enamel. When a root canal is needed, a general dentist or an endodontist would often execute the procedure with the patient asleep under local anesthetic throughout the procedure.
Procedure
During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp from the tooth and thoroughly cleans and disinfects its inside canals. Rubber or vinyl covering is put on the tooth and the surrounding teeth. A hole is cut in the rubber or vinyl sheet to reveal the tooth. This is done to prevent the virus from spreading. After the hole has healed, the tooth is permanently sealed, and a filling is placed. Getting a root canal is relatively a painless procedure since the problematic region is numbed first before a tiny hole is cut in the tooth to reach the pulp. The surgery will cause some discomfort, which should subside with the use of over-the-counter pain medication.
What Is A Tooth Extraction?
Having a tooth extracted means that the tooth has been permanently removed from its socket. This may be accomplished either manually with forceps or medically. Extraction is advised when alternative therapies, such as root canal therapy, are unable to preserve the tooth or prevent the infection from spreading to other regions of your mouth.
Procedure
During the tooth extraction procedure, patients would be given anesthetic while the dentist uses a specific instrument to remove the affected tooth. The anesthetic numbs the afflicted region so that you will not experience any discomfort while the tooth is being pulled and pried out. You may, however, experience discomfort when the anesthetic wears off. After the tooth extraction procedure is completed, patients are instructed to bite down on a cotton ball that has been placed over the site of the tooth extraction procedure. It will put a stop to the bleeding.
Cost Comparison
A root canal treatment preserves your original tooth in position, so it prevents the need for subsequent tooth replacement, which may save you money over time. On the other hand, the extraction of a tooth is less expensive than root canal treatment. But to avoid any jawbone degradation or dental drift, patients should consider obtaining a dental implant to replace the missing tooth to preserve their jawbone structure. Implants are a great therapy, which might be too expensive for some people.
Should I Get A Root Canal Or Extraction?
The choice to have a root canal or to have a tooth extracted is based on the state of the teeth or the recommendation of the emergency dentist. In most circumstances, root canal therapy is a more effective treatment option for infected teeth than extraction. It is possible to make an exception in certain cases, such as if the tooth has sustained severe damage. Before providing a treatment suggestion, your dentist will do a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth.
Furthermore, you can determine whether you will have a root canal or an extraction based on the severity of discomfort, allowing you to make an informed decision ahead of time. Severe tooth pain is the most evident symptom that you may need a root canal, and an emergency dentist is required. You may need therapy if you are feeling discomfort during chewing, biting, or ingesting hot or cold meals. Long-term discomfort that extends to other parts of your head or makes it difficult to sleep is another reason for worry.
Is A Root Canal Painful?
With today’s advanced technology and anesthetics, you will not feel any more discomfort than you would if you were to have a root canal performed. When an endodontist performs root canal therapy on a really painful toothache, which is often caused by damaged tissues in the tooth, the pain could be quickly alleviated, and the tooth can be restored. Furthermore, endodontists are professionals in pain control, and the majority of cases may be completed in a short period and only with little discomfort.
What Hurts More Root Canal Or Extraction?
Root canals have a terrible reputation for being a painful operation, but there is no discomfort associated with the process itself. The only thing that happens throughout the operation that some individuals could find frightening is the dentist injecting them with a local anesthetic. Because the nerves in the tooth are normally dead at the time of the surgery, there should be no feelings in that area. The only sensation you will have during a root canal is pressure from your dentist operating on your tooth, as well as vibrations from some of the equipment they will use.
Extracting a tooth is also not very unpleasant since your dentist will provide injections of anesthetic to numb the nerves in the surrounding region before removing the tooth. After an extraction, the region will be painful for around one week, and you will most likely experience some discomfort. To alleviate your discomfort, your dentist will prescribe medicines for you to use.
Conclusion
In simpler terms, a root canal saves the tooth, while a tooth extraction removes it. Your dental expert will propose the most effective treatment technique based on their experience after inspecting your infected or damaged tooth. Being treated with a root canal is the most generally utilized procedure. Nonetheless, in other instances, extracting the rotten tooth could be the best option. Although modern dentistry makes it possible to replace a lost tooth, it will never be the same as your original tooth. While this is an uncommon occurrence, and contemporary dental technology is making it simpler to preserve even the most difficult teeth, the final choice is yours.
