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.

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