Do you have a toothache or a severely damaged tooth that makes it difficult to perform basic tasks like eating, speaking, or smiling confidently? These types of oral issues don’t clear up on their own and tend to get progressively worse, so you should call your endodontist to schedule an appointment right away.
Once you arrive, they’ll examine your mouth to determine the underlying cause and suggest an appropriate treatment, like undergoing a root canal. However, if your troublesome tooth is too injured to be repaired, they might suggest extracting and replacing it instead. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, continue reading to learn more about them so you can make an informed decision to mend your smile!
What is a Root Canal?
This procedure is used to mend a decayed or infected tooth to restore its functionality and appearance so that you can continue to use it normally. Your provider will begin by applying a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel any discomfort. Then, they’ll create a small opening in your tooth to clear away the damaged materials before sanitizing and sealing it shut.
Finally, they’ll make impressions to fit you with a lifelike dental crown to protect it from additional harm. It can take a few weeks for the dental laboratory to deliver your restoration, so you’ll be given a temporary crown to safeguard your smile in the meantime.
What is an Extraction?
Issues like cavities and gum disease are contagious. It can spread from one pearly white to another, causing additional damage as it does, or even penetrate and weaken your jawbone, which can lead to tooth loss.
If you have a tooth that’s too broken to be treated effectively, removing it is the best way to preserve your overall dental health. By taking the culprit out of your mouth, your provider eliminates the source of potential harm.
Remember that once a tooth is removed, your jaw starts to thin because there’s no root in place to stimulate additional bone growth when you bite down or chew. Replacing it with an implant is the best way to prevent this process.
Which Treatment is Best for Me?
Root canals allow your endodontist to preserve your natural tooth in circumstances that might otherwise require extraction. It’s often better for your dental health to fix an injured pearly white to avoid the risk of infection or jawbone degeneration that can result from having it pulled. However, if your tooth is too broken to be effectively treated and it’s putting the rest of your mouth at risk, then extracting it may be the wisest course of action.
If you’re unsure of the best way to address your problematic tooth, the best way to find out is to schedule an appointment with your endodontist!
About the Practice
Patients at the Endodontic Group of Jersey City benefit from a team of experts who work together to offer a wide array of one-of-a-kind treatments to improve your dental condition, including root canals and extractions. They have all completed additional training and are licensed endodontists so you can trust that you’re receiving care from qualified experts. They prioritize your comfort with a patient-focused approach, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results intended to last. If you have an injured tooth that needs attention, you can request an appointment on the website or call (201) 484-5404.