The most common reasons to end up in a dentist’s office are toothache, broken teeth, and cavities. All of them have different treatment plans. A decayed tooth can be saved by doing root canal treatment followed by a crown. Whereas, a grossly decayed tooth or badly broken tooth should be extracted. In this blog, let's discuss the different treatment options available to restore your lost smile. What Is A Root Canal? Toothaches can be very painful, severe, and in the majority of cases, can even hinder your efficiency in your daily activities. Sticky food attracts bacteria that are present in saliva and forms a hub of bacteria on the tooth. These bacteria release enzymes that form a cavity. When a cavity is deep involving the pulp of the tooth, root canal treatment is advised. The emergency dentist performs a procedure called a root canal to help you get rid of the pain. Root canal treatment involves the removal of pulp, which is the blood vessels and nerves, from the tooth and replacing it with some inert material. After the root canal treatment, a cap or crown is placed on the tooth to strengthen it. Is A Root Canal Painful? The entire procedure will be done under anesthesia so that you do not experience even the slightest pain. Any discomfort you may feel during recovery can be lessened with the use of painkillers. Problems that you can face if you do not undergo root canal treatment ● Continuous pain ● Food lodgement ● Bad breath ● Abscess formation ● Pus formation ● Cyst formation ● Spreading of the infection to the maxillary and mandibular bone ● Facial swelling Signs that you may need a root canal ● Toothache ● Deep cavity ● Pus oozing out of tooth ● Swollen gum near a tooth with pus ● Swollen face with toothache ● Deep cavities (can be assessed only with the help of an x-ray) ● If bridges are planned ● Cosmetic procedures (consult your dentist regarding this) What Is Tooth Extraction? Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth entirely from the socket. An emergency dentist numbs you before extracting the tooth, so pain cannot be felt throughout the procedure. However, once the anesthesia wears off, pain starts. Your dentist prescribes required medication like painkillers and antibiotics for a period of 3-5 days. Extraction can sometimes become traumatic, especially when a tooth is deeply placed or grossly decayed. Nevertheless, extraction is the last option that one should consider as the main goal always will be to save the tooth. Signs that you need an extraction ● Grossly decayed tooth ● A tooth with a severe abscess ● Tooth fracture ● Vertical fracture of the tooth ● Tooth in the line of jaw fracture ● A tooth with a dental cyst Should I Get A Root Canal Or Extraction? It entirely depends on the diagnosis and treatment plan given by your emergency dentist. The reasons for a root canal vary from the reasons for extraction. However, if there is a chance to save your natural tooth, it is always better to treat a natural tooth than to opt for extraction. Though root canal treatment may sound expensive, the long-term benefits are rewarding. A saved natural tooth helps in: ● Maintaining tooth position ● Preserves bone around the tooth ● Do not allow adjacent teeth to tilt ● Do not allow malalignment of remaining natural teeth ● Prevents food entrapment ● Prevents tongue forces at the extraction site What Hurts More Root Canal Or Extraction? Both the procedures are done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. So none of the procedures hurt. However, anesthesia typically wears off after 2 hours. Your dentist prescribes the required painkillers and antibiotic courses for a period of 5 days. Summation Consult your dentist and discuss the pros and cons of each procedure after your condition has been diagnosed and a treatment plan has been formulated. If it is mandatory to get an extraction done, discuss the future replacement options for the extracted tooth because an extraction site leaves an empty space between the teeth and can worsen the situation further in the near future. Dentistry is not expensive, but neglect is.