Emergency Dentist On Pros and Cons of Tooth Extractions vs Root Canals

When you see an emergency dentist in Orlando for painful problems like cavities, they’ll often leave you with a decision to make by giving you more than one treatment option. For a toothache, you may have the choice of treating it with a root canal or tooth extraction. And while they’ll typically recommend one option over the other (and always explain the benefits or risks of each type of treatment), the choice is always yours. So what are the pros and cons of each procedure? Keep reading to find out!

Pros and Cons of Tooth Extractions

Pros

• It has a lower initial cost than a root canal.

Cons

• You have to consider the long-term cost of replacing the missing tooth.
• If you choose not to replace your tooth, you’ll be at risk for future problems such as the surrounding teeth shifting or tipping forward (increasing the likelihood of gum problems and cavities), bone loss in the jaw, bite alignment issues, uneven wear on your remaining teeth, difficulty chewing, and less self-confidence.
• Tooth extractions have a longer recovery time, and the area can take weeks to completely heal.

Pros and Cons of Root Canals

Pros

• A root canal relieves your pain while preserving your natural tooth structure. This allows you to continue eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence.
• Although root canals have a bad reputation, they’re much easier than you may think (you’ll be completely numbed from start to finish).

Cons

• Root canals have a higher initial cost.
• A root canal removes the natural blood supply of a tooth, leaving it more brittle and susceptible to breaking. To protect the tooth and restore its strength and appearance, a dental crown is usually recommended as well.

Which Procedure Will Your Dentist Recommend?

An emergency dentist will almost always recommend saving natural teeth when possible. However, there are cases in which a tooth extraction in Orlando is the only option and will actually improve your long-term oral health.

This is common when most of the tooth structure has been destroyed by a severe cavity or fracture, leaving it unable to support a restoration like a dental filling or crown. Extractions are also common for wisdom teeth or when a patient has severe gum disease.

While both extractions and root canals can sound intimidating, rest assured that your dentist will make your comfort a top priority. And when your treatment is done, you’ll be able to look forward to many years of improved oral health!

About the Author

Dr. John E. Russo is a general and emergency dentist in Orlando with decades of experience. He carefully weighs each patient’s needs before recommending treatment and always explains the pros and cons of each choice to help them make the best decision. If you need treatment for a toothache or have any questions, you can reach Dr. Russo via his website.

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