Deciding Between a Root Canal and Extraction

When a tooth is infected and the infection spreads to the pulp of the tooth, it has reached a point where the nerve is affected. In these cases, the two options available are to have a root canal procedure or tooth extraction near San Jose. While the decision may ultimately come down to how badly the tooth is damaged, there are pros and cons to each option. This article will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of both options to help you make an informed decision. Ultimately, you and your dentist will be able to determine the best option to suit your dental needs.

Root Canal Advantages

The ultimate advantage of opting for a root canal over extraction is that you get to keep your natural tooth. The root canal procedure removes only the infected portion of the nerve. When a tooth is infected, it can cause pain and inflammation. A root canal fixes these problems.

Root Canal Disadvantages

A root canal, while a common dental procedure, is still oral surgery. Some people may have reservations about having surgery performed. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area so that you do not feel anything during the procedure, but it can still be a painful procedure with a longer recovery time. Once the root canal is performed, a crown is usually placed over the tooth. Over time, dental crowns may need to be replaced.

Extraction Advantages

When a tooth is badly decayed, it may be better to extract the tooth so you can avoid surgery and prevent the infection from spreading. A tooth extraction is usually straightforward and recovery time is minimal.

Extraction Disadvantages

There are a number of dental problems that can follow loosing a tooth. When a tooth is missing, it can cause drifting and bone loss if not replaced. Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. The procedure to place the dental implant can take up to six months to fully heal, and it can be costly.