When someone faces a severe toothache or infection, they often wonder whether to save the tooth via a root canal or to have it extracted. While there are various options available, keeping a natural tooth is a better choice for health and long-term oral function. Root canal therapy is among the most practical ways to preserve your natural tooth and avoid further complications.

Whenever possible, it is always better to save your natural tooth. Teeth are both functional and structural components of our mouths, helping maintain alignment and the overall integrity of the mouth. When one is lost, the surrounding teeth can then shift, causing problems with an individual’s bite, not to mention other dental issues. In this blog, we will discuss why a root canal is sometimes a better option than extraction and how root canal therapy can help keep your smile healthy.

When Do You Need A Root Canal Treatment?

Understanding the cause of root canal problems is essential in appreciating the benefits of the procedure. This usually occurs when the pulp of the tooth, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or a crack or chip.

The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves; hence, infection of the pulp may cause sharp pain and, if left untreated, can lead to abscesses. A root canal therapy in Bedford, TX, removes infected pulp and seals the tooth, thereby saving it from extraction.

Root Canal Treatment Steps

Understanding the steps involved in root canal therapy can help you feel more confident about the procedure. This treatment, performed by one of our dentists or an endodontist, is designed to save your tooth from further damage. Here is what to expect:

• Numbness: The dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic, guaranteeing no pain in the procedure.
• Access to the Pulp Chamber: The dentist creates an opening in the tooth to reach the pulp, the inner soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.
• Pulp Removal: The infected pulp is carefully removed, and the area is thoroughly cleaned to remove bacteria and prevent further infection.
• Filling the Tooth: The cleaned space is filled with a biocompatible material to seal and prevent future issues.
• Placing a Crown: Most often, a crown is placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength and function, making it more durable for everyday use.

Benefits of a Root Canal

Root canal therapy has many benefits, not only for your immediate comfort but for the long-term health of your mouth. By choosing a root canal over extraction, you are maintaining your natural tooth and avoiding the need for more invasive procedures down the road. Here’s why root canal therapy is often the best option:

1. Preserves Your Natural Tooth: Saving the tooth maintains the alignment and functionality of your bite, which are necessary for proper chewing, speaking, and confidence when smiling.
2. Prevents Future Complications: Through root canal therapy, one avoids more complex procedures, such as dental implants or bridges, after an extraction.
3. Reduces the Risk of Infection: The procedure removes infected tissue, preventing further damage and reducing the risk of future infections.
4. Maintains Jawbone Health: While extraction can be associated with the shrinkage of the jawbone, root canal treatment preserves the natural tooth and, thereby, maintains your jawbone health over time.
5. Prevents Shifting Teeth: Keeping your natural tooth in place prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, helping maintain a balanced bite and preventing other dental issues.

Smile Preservation with Root Canal Therapy

When it comes to your oral health, saving your natural tooth via a root canal is often the best decision. Through root canal therapy, you will be able to avoid complications and long-term effects that tooth loss can bring, which in turn will enable your smile to remain functional. If you have an infection or are experiencing pain, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a trusted dental professional.

At Maegan Elam, DDS & Associates, our commitment is to serve you with compassionate, quality care to maintain your natural teeth throughout your lifetime. If you may need a root canal or are seeking a second opinion, we are here for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward saving your tooth and preserving your smile.

FAQs

1. What causes the need for a root canal?
   Root canals are needed when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks, or repeated procedures. This infection causes pain and can lead to abscess formation.
   
2. How long does a root canal procedure take?
   A root canal typically takes one to two visits. The first visit involves removing the infected pulp, while the second consists of sealing the tooth, often with a crown.
   
3. Is root canal therapy painful?
   Root canal therapy is usually done under local anesthesia, ensuring that the procedure is pain-free. Afterward, some discomfort may occur, but it is generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
   
4. Can a tooth that has had a root canal still get infected?
   While it is rare, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can become reinfected. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent this.
   
5. How long do teeth with root canals last?
   With proper care, teeth that have had root canal therapy can last many years, even a lifetime, although they may eventually need a crown to protect them from damage.