Root Canals, or Tooth Extraction; Which One is Better?
Both root canals and tooth extraction address almost the same dental problem; tooth decay. However, the decision on which to choose will depend on the severity of the decay. A dentist near you will assess your dental health and determine which procedure is ideal for you.
What is a Root Canal?
Before you can get root canals in Culver City, it is important to know the anatomy of the tooth and why the endodontic treatment is done.
Our teeth are made of three layers; enamel, the dentin, and the pulp chamber. The pulp cavity is the soft, innermost layer that contains nerves and blood vessels. These vessels and nerves nourish the teeth during the growth stage. Although they lose this function after the teeth have attained maturity, the pulp is still important to the teeth. Having an infection that affects the canals will cause pain, discomfort, and swelling.
What Are the Signs of an Infected Pulp?
The pulp cavity can get damaged because of a bacterial infection or repeated dental procedures. When you have an infection, you may experience tooth sensitivity, darkening of the gums, cracks, and chips on the teeth. If you have these dental problems and persistent pain, then you need root canals neat you.
When Is Tooth Extraction Done?
When you delay getting the root canal, the infection will spread to the surrounding tissues and affect the teeth. If your teeth get severely damaged, the dentist will opt for extraction instead of the root canal. That is why it is recommended that you visit our dentist Culver City, CA, for an assessment and treatment.
How Is The Root Canal Procedure Done?
The root canal procedure is done in two dental visits and it involves a few steps:
Dental examination and cleaning
The dentist will begin the process by cleaning and examining the teeth to check the extent of the decay. A radiograph can be done to check the condition of the jaw bone.
Removing the canals
After cleaning, the affected teeth are separated with a sheet to keep them dry. The dentist will drill the crown to access the pulp chamber and remove the infected canals. The area is tested to check if there is any more decay left, before sealing the teeth.
Covering the teeth
A biocompatible (easy on the gums) material is used to fill the teeth after the canals are removed. A Gutta-percha is used to seal the chamber and the fillings are used to cover the teeth and protect them from bacteria. A cast of your teeth may be taken to the lab to make the dental crowns.
Fixing the crowns
The removal of the canals can leave the teeth weak, and dental crowns are used to restore the strength and function of the teeth.
What Can You Expect After the Endodontic Treatment?
After the root canal therapy, you can experience sensitivity, swelling, and pain, but the dentist will prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics. These dental problems will clear after some time, but if they persist, visit a dentist 90230 for treatment.
During the healing period, it is vital to eat soft foods that require less chewing to give the gums a rest and also avoid spicy foods.
Final Thoughts
A root canal treatment is done to prevent the removal of the teeth. Remember, removing your teeth is a permanent situation, meaning they will not grow back. You will need to have restorative dental treatments to have the gaps covered.
Our dentist in Culver City, CA, will recommend tooth extraction as an alternative to root canals if the teeth are severely damaged and cannot be saved. If you have decay that affects the pulp cavity but does not extend to the rest of the tooth, a root canal treatment is ideal for you.
Visit Relate Dental Care for an assessment on which procedure is ideal for you. Our endodontist will also give you more information about how they are done and what you can expect during and after the root canal.