Reality: It looks like extraction can be done in less time, but it is very important to save your natural tooth though root canal treatment. Natural teeth can help you to hold the functions of teeth very well. Root canals require 2-3 visits but it can be performed in a single visit also. I'll explain the conditions where root canals can be performed in single visits in the upcoming blogs. If you save the natural tooth you can also save further treatments like dental implants or prosthesis and bridges. If extractions are recommended they should be performed undoubtedly, but it is completely unethical to do dental extractions just to save time and patients should understand when and what should be done.
Explanation
The myth that extractions save time and money of multiple visits instead of saving the teeth by root canal procedures is very common. Extraction looks a faster solution but it has it's own complications. You are going to loose your natural tooth by extraction and cannot get it back again ever. There are certain indications where a tooth needs to get extracted but if your tooth doesn't show those extractions then root canal procedure has got more benefits and can also last your natural tooth for longer time.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
To explain in simple terms, there are canals in the roots of a tooth. These canals includes a pulp inside them. Nerves which supply the teeth are present in this pulp canal/root canal. If these nerves and root canals get infected due to any reason then root canal treatment is performed where all the infection is removed and also the infected nerves are removed.
Root canal treatment is medically termed as endodontic treatment. It is a dental procedure performed to preserve a significantly compromised or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth and the canals placed in the roots. Once the infected material is removed, the tooth is sealed and restored with a filling or crown to protect it and restore its function.
The Reality: Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
1. Preservation of Natural Tooth
One of the most important advantages of root canal treatment is that it allows you to keep your natural tooth safe. We need natural teeth for proper chewing, speech, and maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth. Losing a natural tooth can lead to problems with the bite, jawbone resorption, and potential shifting of neighboring teeth.
2. Avoiding Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction may seem like a faster solution, but it involves removing the entire tooth, including the root. If you do not replace the extracted tooth, it might result in the shift of other teeth to fill the empty space. This will lead to misplacing of other teeth. This will hamper your aesthetics as well as the functions of teeth. To avoid this situation, it is important to consider treatment options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures. These options can be more expensive and time-consuming than root canals.
3. Eliminating Pain and Infection
Root canal treatment relieves toothache and severe pain caused by infection or inflammation of the tooth's pulp. The procedure helps remove the source or cause of the pain and prevents the spread of infection to other areas.
4. Preserving Jawbone Health
Keeping the natural tooth through root canal treatment helps maintain the natural strength of the jawbone. When a tooth is extracted, the underlying jawbone can degenerate over time due to lack of stimulation from the tooth's root.
5. Restored Functionality
After a successful root canal, the treated tooth can function like any other healthy tooth. You can chew, speak, and smile confidently without any limitations.
6. Long-Term Solution
Root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care, making it a durable and long-term solution for dental health.
Extractions when and why?
Extractions should be considered over root canal treatment when the structural integrity or strength of a tooth is severely compromised, and there is little chance of restoring it to full function. This typically occurs when a tooth is severely decayed, fractured below the gum line, or when infection has caused irreversible damage to the root. In such cases, extraction becomes the preferred option to prevent further complications and discomfort. These are the basic indications when extractions can be performed. There are so many reasons which we will discuss in upcoming blogs.Conclusion
While the idea of extracting a painful tooth might seem like a quick fix, it is essential to consider the long-term disadvantages of losing a natural tooth. Root canal treatment offers so many logical benefits, such as preserving your natural tooth, eliminating pain and infection, and maintaining the integrity of the jawbone. It is a valuable and long-term solution for maintaining your oral health and natural functions of teeth. If you are facing the decision between extraction and root canal treatment, it is best to consult with a qualified dentist or endodontist or oral surgeon to understand your specific dental condition and receive personalized recommendations for the most suitable and beneficial treatment option for your oral health.