Pros and Cons of Root Canal Treatment

If your tooth’s pulp is infected or inflamed, your dentist might recommend root canal treatment. Before you schedule your appointment, you need to learn the pros and cons of root canals. After you understand the benefits and drawbacks, you can make an informed decision. Then you will be ready to schedule a procedure.

Benefits and drawbacks of root canal treatment

When people have a severely damaged or infected tooth, it is critical to take action. Many choose between root canal treatment and extraction. It is easier to select between the two by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of a root canal. After weighing the pros and cons, patients can make a decision.

Pro – keep the natural tooth

Root canal treatment allows patients to keep the natural tooth. Dentists remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue, clean out the root canal and replace it with filling material. By keeping the natural tooth, patients do not have to worry about bone loss. The tooth’s root will continue to stimulate the bone, so people can maintain natural smiles.

Con – treatment might weaken the tooth

It is possible for a tooth to become weaker after a root canal. Dentists must drill through the tooth to get to the pulp, and additional decay might need to be removed. If the tooth is too weak to function, the dentist will add a crown to it. This will strengthen the tooth and allow the patient to use it like a natural tooth.

Pro – stop toothaches

When the pulp is infected or inflamed, it is quite painful. Toothaches make it difficult to function. Many people have a difficult time even going to work or enjoying a TV show. A root canal treatment cleans out the infection or inflamed pulp, and the area is treated with antibiotics if needed. Once the infection is gone, the toothache disappears.

Con – sometimes multiple appointments are needed

In some cases, patients only need to go to the dentist once to get a root canal. However, two to three appointments are required in complicated cases where the infection or damage is severe. Also, patients might need two to three visits to get root canals on upper first molars. Upper first molars have three to five root canals, and each one must be treated. This takes longer to complete.

Pro – prevent gaps in the mouth

Patients who choose extractions over root canals have to worry about gaps in the mouth. Teeth move to fill in the gaps. This can lead to alignment issues in the mouth and can make eating difficult. With root canal treatment, the teeth stay in place, so alignment issues are not a concern.

Do you need root canal treatment?

A root canal will allow you to keep your natural tooth, stop your toothache in its tracks and prevent gaps in your mouth. However, it could weaken your tooth, and you might need to schedule two to three appointments. Weigh the pros and cons and talk to your dentist. Your dentist will help you make a decision regarding your oral care.

Request an appointment here: https://alexoldtowndental.com or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at (703) 763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

When To Seek Treatment From An Emergency Dentist

While regular dental visits are vital for maintaining oral health, an urgent dental problem requires an emergency dentist. Dental emergencies, including severe pain, injury, or infection, require immediate attention to prevent complications and ensure the best outcome. Knowing when to seek care from an emergency dentist can be key to preserving oral health.Severe tooth pain…

Boosting Self-Esteem With A Cosmetic Dentist

Wondering how a cosmetic dentist can help your smile? Read on to learn more about some common cosmetic dentistry treatments. An individual’s smile affects their self-esteem, so dental problems cause people to hide their smiles. The issue can be a result of genetics, accidents, or poor oral health habits. Regardless of the cause, a cosmetic…

Seeing A Cosmetic Dentist For Veneers

A cosmetic dentist can improve the overall appearance of your smile thanks to dental veneers. This cosmetic treatment can improve the color and shape of your teeth and give you a more uniform smile that appears well-aligned. If you are looking for overall smile improvement, a cosmetic dentist can help determine if dental veneers are…

Choose A Cosmetic Dentist For Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Cosmetic dentistry services have become increasingly popular in recent years. From professional teeth whitening to dental veneers, cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. Here are five reasons to choose a cosmetic dentist for your cosmetic dentistry services.Cosmetic dentists undergo additional training beyond dental school. During this education, they focus…

Related Posts

When To Seek Treatment From An Emergency Dentist

When To Seek Treatment From An Emergency Dentist

While regular dental visits are vital for maintaining oral health, an urgent dental problem requires an emergency dentist. Dental emergencies, including severe pain, injury, or infection, require immediate attention to prevent complications and ensure the best outcome. Knowing when to seek care from an emergency dentist can be key to preserving oral health.Severe tooth pain…

Boosting Self Esteem With A Cosmetic Dentist

Boosting Self-Esteem With A Cosmetic Dentist

Wondering how a cosmetic dentist can help your smile? Read on to learn more about some common cosmetic dentistry treatments. An individual’s smile affects their self-esteem, so dental problems cause people to hide their smiles. The issue can be a result of genetics, accidents, or poor oral health habits. Regardless of the cause, a cosmetic…