Permanent teeth can last a lifetime with good care. The risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss can be reduced with good oral hygiene, a low-sugar and acid diet, using a mouthguard when playing sports, and regular dental visits. It is recommended that everyone, including young children, visit the dentist twice a year. Modern techniques mean dental treatment can be carried out with little or no discomfort.
Root Canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of the soft center of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves. Connective tissues and blood vessels help the tooth grow.
Tooth Extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth from the gum socket. It is usually done by a general dentist, an oral surgeon, or a periodontist.
Why the Procedure is Performed
- Root Canal
A root canal is done if you have an infection that affects a tooth’s pulp. Generally, there is pain and swelling in the area. The infection can result from a tooth crack, cavity, or injury. It may also result from a deep pocket in the gum area around a tooth. If this is the case, a dental specialist known as an endodontist should examine the area. Depending on the source of infection and severity of the decay, the tooth may or may not be salvageable. A root canal can save your tooth. Without treatment, the tooth may become so damaged that it must be removed. A permanent restoration must follow the root canal. This is done to restore the tooth to its original shape and strength so it can withstand the force of chewing.
- Tooth Extraction
There are several reasons people have a tooth pulled: A deep infection in a tooth (abscess), Overcrowded or poorly positioned teeth, gum disease that loosens or damages teeth, Tooth injury from trauma, Impacted teeth that are causing problems, such as wisdom teeth (third molars).
Root Canals: Procedure and Aftercare
Root canal therapyis relatively simple: After numbing the area, your dentist will make an opening in the affected tooth, then remove the diseased or dead pulp. Once the pulp has been removed, the pulp chambers will be carefully cleaned to ensure no bacteria are left behind. The pulp chambers will then be filled with “gutta-percha,” a dental material that replaces your damaged pulp. A crown may be placed on top of the tooth to help restore its appearance and strength. A need to visit your dentist is often required for your root canal, depending on your precise situation. After your procedure, it’s normal to feel some pain for a few days. This pain can vary from a dull ache to sharp or acute pain, but you should be able to manage your discomfort with an over-the-counter painkiller.
Tooth Extraction: Procedure and Aftercare
If you need the tooth extracted, your dentist will numb the area, so you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Next, they’ll use a lever-like appliance known as an elevator to loosen your tooth while it’s still in its socket. Forceps will then officially extract the tooth. You can expect to feel some pressure while this happens, but nothing that takes away your overall comfort level. After your tooth is extracted, you’ll bite on a piece of gauze for up to 45 minutes to clot the blood flow that naturally occurs. Light bleeding for about 24 hours after the procedure is normal, and a bit of facial swelling, but ice packs can help reduce the inflammation. When eating again, stick to soft, cool foods that don’t irritate your extraction site, and as you heal, you can gradually get back to your regular diet. Generally, it can take at least two weeks for the extraction site to heal, during which time you should gently brush your teeth to avoid further irritation.
Making Your Decision
After examining your diseased or damaged tooth, your dental professional will recommend the most appropriate treatment method based on their experience.
If you’re concerned about paying for a root canal, affordable dental services like local dental schools are a viable alternative. Root canal vs. extraction can be difficult, but a dental professional can help you determine the right choice for you and your tooth. Call us at 403-249-0382 for Shaganappi Plaza or 403-278-4322 for Southland Tower to book an appointment.
