If you have a painful tooth, you need to know the best course of action to deal with the problem. If your tooth is too damaged for restorative methods like fillings and crowns to be effective on their own, you may consider a tooth extraction or a root canal.
While many patients believe that a root canal versus a tooth extraction is the only option, we at Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Centers inform our patients that dental professionals use these procedures in different situations. Each procedure has treatment indications, which we will examine in this blog.
When You May Need an Extraction
Tooth Damage Too Severe to Repair With a Crown
If your tooth cracks below the gumline, an extraction is generally required. Without a critical mass of tooth above the gumline, your restorative dentist will have nowhere to attach the crown.
Dental Infection or Abscess
An abscess is a dental emergency. Abscesses attack the soft and hard tissues surrounding the tooth, weakening the tooth in its socket and often causing systemic illness.
Even if you feel well, if you have a pimple-like swelling on your gum, see your dentist immediately for treatment. They may refer you to our office for a tooth extraction.
When a Root Canal May Be Best
If you have an infection inside a largely intact tooth, a root canal is a better option than a tooth extraction. The primary reason that dentists and surgeons prefer root canals in most situations is that this procedure saves the tooth's natural root structure. Dental professionals prefer to retain the natural root to preserve jawbone health and tooth alignment.
A tooth extraction requires a replacement, whether it is a dental implant, a bridge, or a partial denture. If you choose not to replace a missing tooth, you may develop complications like jawbone loss as a result of the absent root and tooth alignment problems. If your teeth become more crowded or have more space between them, plaque and food can collect in these areas, making them more challenging to remove. This situation can lead to new or worsening gum disease.
Understanding Your Options
Your general dentist will evaluate your tooth and, if necessary, refer you to our office for an extraction. If you need a root canal, your dentist may perform it in-office or refer you to a trusted endodontist.
Extractions are routine procedures, and you will likely experience no complications if you follow the post-operative instructions we provide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals and Tooth Extractions
If my tooth needs to be replaced, what are my options?
Dental implants are the preferred option for most patients. They replace the entire tooth structure, including the root, for optimal oral health. They are easy to care for and look like natural teeth.
You may also opt for a bridge or partial denture. Bridges and partial dentures do not last as long as dental implants and require more maintenance.
Can I put off getting a root canal?
Avoid delaying a root canal by more than it takes to schedule an appointment with an endodontist. Even if your tooth stops hurting, it will resume shortly, and you will experience great discomfort.
What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
Stay with a liquid diet for the first day or so, depending on your comfort: no hot or iced liquids. As you heal, you can add soft foods like scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes. Chew on the other side of your mouth as much as possible to avoid discomfort. Avoid crunchy or spicy foods during recovery.
If my root canal starts to hurt again after healing, what should I do?
It is possible that you need a root canal retreatment or another procedure called an apicoectomy. Infected material may remain due to complex or narrow canal anatomy.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Most dentists prefer crowns to protect root canal-treated teeth. Crowns cover the entire tooth and prevent contamination.
At Northern Virginia Oral Surgery Centers, our goal is to provide expert care when you need it most. We keep our patients comfortable and well-informed. If you have questions or need to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with us at one of our convenient Northern Virginia offices.