Making the right choice is crucial for your dental health, comfort, and overall well-being. Here, we break down the factors that influence this important decision, helping you make an informed choice for your smile.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely damaged or infected. This procedure involves the removal of the tooth’s pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels [1].

The dentist will clean and disinfect the inner chambers and then fill the space with a biocompatible material to seal it. Finally, the tooth may be restored with a crown to protect its function and appearance.

Root canal therapy is usually the best option if:

• There is severe tooth decay that has reached the pulp of the tooth
• You have a tooth infection or abscess
• The tooth is vertically cracked or fractured

What Does Tooth Extraction Involve?

Tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone [2]. While this procedure is more straightforward than root canal therapy, it’s usually considered a last resort when a tooth cannot be saved through other means.

Removing the tooth may be a good idea when:

• The decay is extensive enough that the tooth can’t support a root canal or restoration
• The supporting structures of the tooth are compromised, such as in advanced cases of gum disease
• One or more teeth need to be removed to create space for orthodontic treatment
• The third molars are impacted and causing issues

Weighing the Options: Root Canal vs. Extraction

Whether you choose a root canal or an extraction is an important decision. Whenever possible, preserving your natural teeth is preferred. Root canals can often save a tooth, allowing you to maintain your natural bite and prevent further complications [3].

Root canals typically require a shorter recovery time than extractions since they are focused on restoring the tooth rather than removing it entirely. However, both procedures may involve some discomfort, and it’s essential to follow post-procedure care to ensure proper healing.

In many cases, root canals can be more cost-effective in the long run. While the upfront costs may be higher due to the need for subsequent restorations (like a crown), preserving the tooth is almost always cheaper than replacing it.

Ask Your Dentist About Root Canal vs. Extraction

If you have a tooth that doesn’t qualify for a filling due to extensive decay or trauma and you’re trying to decide between a root canal and an extraction, ask your dentist about the pros and cons of each option. If you can save your tooth, root canal therapy is almost always the better choice.

Sources:

1. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/extractions 
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/root-canals 

The post Do I Need a Root Canal or Extraction? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

While root canal therapy is considered a safe and effective way to retain a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed, some people want to consider all their options before making a decision. You have a few possibilities when it comes to alternatives to root canal treatment!

Extraction

In the majority of cases, if you forgo a root canal, you will eventually need to have your tooth extracted. When root canal therapy is necessary, the tooth is damaged to the point that it is no longer alive. Without a root canal, the tooth will continue to deteriorate and will need to be pulled.

Once your tooth is pulled, you’ll need to consider replacement options so that the rest of your teeth won’t shift in its place to fill the gap. Your replacement options could include a dental implant, which is considered the most secure restoration, a dental bridge, or partial dentures.

Whichever you choose is all about your personal preference and your candidacy for these procedures [1].

Ozone Gas Therapy

When the inner tissue of your tooth is affected by trauma, decay, or infection, you may have the option of pursuing ozone gas therapy to clean the chamber of the tooth. Research shows that ozone gas therapy can reduce bacteria in an infected tooth that would otherwise need a root canal [2].

The gas will help clean the tubules—tiny channels that extend from underneath the tooth
enamel to the inner chamber—where bacteria can travel. The gas will penetrate further than your dentist can reach, and while this therapy is unlikely to save your tooth or restore it to its original state, it may delay the need for you to make an immediate decision about extracting your tooth.

Calcium Hydroxide

If you’re looking for alternatives to root canal therapy, you may have the option of cleaning out the tooth chamber with a calcium hydroxide solution. This solution has been shown to help remove dead tissue from inside the tooth and reduce bacteria growth [3]. The procedure will need to be done by an experienced dentist or endodontist—a specialist at saving teeth—for the best results.

Again, while this therapy may be available to you, it’s unlikely to permanently restore your
tooth, although it may help reduce bacteria growth and decrease your discomfort while you’re making a decision about your tooth.

The Choice Is Yours!

You have alternatives when it comes to root canal therapy, although your affected tooth will most likely require an extraction at some point. If you’re looking for other options to save your tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist or endodontist today to find out more about your candidacy for these procedures!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4509120/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839455/
3. https://www.aae.org/specialty/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/rootcanalirrigantsdisinfectants.pdf?_ga=2.75478866.137

The post Are There Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The Affected Tissue in Your Tooth Is Removed

Some patients who need root canal therapy have an infection inside their tooth, or extensive decay that’s compromised the inner tissue that supplies the tooth with blood and nutrients to keep it alive.

During a root canal, any tissue that’s been affected will be removed by your dentist or endodontist—a specialist at saving teeth. This tissue generally consists of nerves that may or may not be dead, and will be cleaned out from your tooth.

The removal of this material will prevent your tooth from being sensitive to temperature and, if your affected tooth is discolored, help restore its natural hue.

The Pulp Chamber Is Cleaned and Sealed

Once the affected tissue is removed, your dentist will carefully clean the inside of your tooth—sometimes called the pulp chamber—with special tools. This cleaning process will remove any bacteria and remaining microscopic tissue in your tooth that could contribute to future problems.

After the cleaning is done, your dentist or endodontist will dry and seal the canal to protect the tooth and ensure an infection can’t happen. The pulp chamber of the tooth is sealed with a biocompatible material, meaning your body will not react to it and it won’t cause any problems [2].

Your Tooth Is Capped Off With a Dental Restoration

Now that your tooth has been properly cleaned and sealed, you’ll need to have some type of restoration placed over your tooth to protect it from further trauma [3]. Many patients will get a dental crown, which is a porcelain replication of your natural tooth, placed over the area. However, some patients will only need a filling material to keep the treated tooth protected.

Your dentist can let you know more about what you need during your consultation for root canal therapy!

Could a Root Canal Benefit Your Smile?

Root canal therapy can save a tooth that’s been impacted by decay or an injury, and for patients that have a single discolored tooth, a root canal can generally restore its color. If you’ve been told you need a root canal, don’t fret about this common procedure. Your root canal will be handled by an experienced dentist or endodontist to save your tooth!

Sources:
1. https://news.llu.edu/patient-care/let-s-get-root-of-root-canal
2. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007275.htm

The post What Happens to Your Tooth During a Root Canal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Located beneath other layers of tissue and topped off with tooth enamel, you wouldn’t think that this inner material could be affected by much—but too frequently, the nerves of our teeth are impacted by an injury, decay, or another problem.

What are the top signs you might need a root canal as the result of these issues?

You Cracked or Chipped Your Tooth

While a crack or a chip in your tooth might not seem like a big deal, the damage could spread farther than you think. People who crack or chip their teeth and don’t seek treatment may eventually need a root canal [1]. If you know you’ve chipped or cracked your tooth, it’s always best to follow up with your dentist to be sure the damage hasn’t extended down into your tooth’s inner chamber.

You Have a Discolored Tooth

One of the tops signs people notice that could mean a root canal is needed is a discolored tooth. When the nerve tissue inside the tooth begins to die or becomes infected, it can cause the tooth to turn a darker color ranging from gray to black. In cases such as these, root canal therapy can typically restore the tooth to its previous color.

Pain or Swelling in Your Face

If your tooth’s inner tissue becomes infected, you may experience pain or swelling that feels like a toothache. This pain won’t go away on its own, and could mean you need a root canal to fully resolve the problem. If left untreated, this pain or swelling can turn into a dental abscess, which is a swollen area of infection around the affected tooth [2].

Uncomfortable Tooth Sensitivity

Some patients who need a root canal will experience mild to severe tooth sensitivity in the affected tooth or teeth. This could be because injury or decay has caused damage that’s extended to the tooth roots, which is causing all the temperatures of the foods you eat and even the air you breathe to reach the center of your tooth, causing discomfort.

Don’t Ignore These Signs!

You should never ignore any signs that something’s wrong with your teeth. A root canal can save your tooth from extraction, but if put off too long, you may not be able to save your tooth [3]. If you’re experiencing any of these signs or symptoms that you might need a root canal, schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as you’re able!

Sources:
1. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/reasons-root-
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/r/root-canals

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What this means is that your cavity may take several months or even longer to show symptoms, which makes your regular dental checkups all the more important. But what happens if you either don’t know about existing tooth decay in your mouth, or you ignore it?

Your Tooth May Break or Crack

Cavities don’t go away on their own. They continue to get larger or deeper as time goes on. As the decay affects more of your tooth, the cavity can get large enough that it causes your tooth to break or split, permanently altering its structure and compromising its health. Decayed teeth are more susceptible to cracks or other damage than healthy teeth!

The width and depth of the cavity can make your tooth more likely to crack [2]. A cracked tooth will need more extensive treatment than a simple filling—you may need dental bonding, a root canal, or even an extraction.

You May Need a Root Canal

Once the inner nerve tissue of your tooth is affected by the cavity, you can experience pain, an infection, or both. Once your cavity has become large enough to involve the inner tissue, you will need either a root canal or an extraction to fully address the problem. A filling typically won’t be able to resolve the decay at this point.

If you continue to ignore the cavity past this point, you could develop a painful dental abscess, which is an area of infection underneath the gumline. While root canal therapy could potentially still save your tooth at this point, you may have only one other option.

Your Tooth May Need to Be Pulled

For some people, a tooth just won’t be able to be fixed because of the severity of the cavity [3]. Not even root canal therapy can save a tooth that’s too far gone. This is why getting treatment for your cavity sooner rather than later is so essential, as it can prevent a tooth extraction.

Once your tooth is extracted, you’ll need to discuss replacement options with your dentist, as leaving a gap in your mouth can cause your remaining teeth to shift. Depending on the position of the missing tooth, it could also potentially cause problems with speaking or chewing.

If you know you have existing tooth decay, always follow up with your dentist to get the cavity fixed as soon as possible. It may be so small that a fluoride treatment will do the trick, or you may need a filling. Either way, fillings are less invasive and less expensive than other treatment options once decay has progressed—so never ignore cavities!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001055.htm
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3870147/
3. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/82774-overview

The post What Happens When You Ignore Cavities? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

There are a few different types of root canal treatments that can be done depending on your individual case. All have a similar goal in mind—to save your tooth and keep decay and bacteria from further affecting it. Here are a few different types of root canal therapy to know about!

Nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment

This form of root canal treatment is your typical root canal which removes the inner nerve tissue of the tooth and seals the inner chamber. You might need nonsurgical root canal therapy if your tooth has experienced extensive decay that can’t be fixed with a filling, or if you have an infection that’s compromised the nerves of your tooth. Either way, a root canal could be a viable form of treatment!

Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy is a procedure used for when a primary root canal—the nonsurgical root canal treatment we just discussed—is unsuccessful. In this case, the infection or inflammation may still be present in your tooth or in your alveolar bone, which is the bone that constitutes your jaw.

In an apicoectomy, only local anesthesia used, and this form of treatment is considered a microsurgical procedure [1]. The very tip of your tooth’s root is removed, and a filling material is used to seal the canal.

In the following months, the bone in your jaw heals the tooth’s root where the affected material was removed. However, you won’t be in recovery for quite that long—most patients can return to their usual activities the next day!

Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy

Pulpotomies and pulpectomies are typically procedures done on baby teeth—essentially, root canals for children. Both of these procedures help save your child’s natural tooth, but they have one difference.

In a pulpotomy, the affected pulp of the tooth’s chamber is removed, and the healthy pulp is left in your child’s tooth roots. A pulpotomy only works if only part of your child’s tooth’s inner nerve tissue is affected.

In a pulpectomy, all of the pulp is removed and replaced with a filler material [2]. This procedure is generally done for teeth that can’t be saved with just a pulpotomy due to the extensiveness of the infection or decay.

Root canals are a great way to save teeth that would otherwise have been lost due to infection or decay. Your professional dentist or endodontist—a specialist at saving teeth—can let you know more about what to expect during your consultation for root canal therapy!

Sources:
1. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/endodontic-treatment-
2. https://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/BP_PulpTherapy.pdf

The post Are There Different Types of Root Canal Treatments? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Extensive Tooth Decay

The most common cause of a painful toothache is extensive tooth decay [1]. What this means is that you may have a cavity that’s gotten deep enough to cause discomfort or even an infection. You may or may not be able to see the cavity simply by examining your teeth in the mirror.

For many patients, tooth decay won’t cause symptoms until the cavity has progressed to the point that the nerve tissue becomes involved and potentially infected. Once this happens, you’ll likely need root canal therapy to save your tooth.

Damage to Dental Restorations

Another potential cause of your uncomfortable toothache could be damage to a dental restoration you’ve had done. Think a filling, crown, or dental bridge. You may have caused damage to your filling by eating a hard or sticky food, or your filling could have naturally deteriorated over time (remember, no restoration lasts forever!).

If your dental restoration is causing your tooth pain, your dentist will simply need to repair the affected tooth with a new restoration for you to begin feeling better!

A Cracked Tooth

Cracked teeth aren’t always obvious when they happen. For some, the pain and sensation of injuring a tooth to the point that it fractures will be obvious. For others, the crack won’t become apparent until pain or discomfort appears down the road.

One common symptom of a cracked tooth is pain that comes and goes when eating hot or cold foods [2]. If a cracked tooth is left untreated for long enough, it could affect the nerves of the teeth and require root canal therapy to fix.

Other Potential Causes of Tooth Pain

There are other causes of tooth pain, including a bruised tooth, which can happen when biting down on hard foods or another injury. A bruised tooth happens when the connective tissue that helps hold your tooth in place is essentially bruised and becomes inflamed due to injury.

Some people could also experience aching teeth from a sinus infection, teeth grinding, or an impacted wisdom tooth [3]. The only way to identify the root cause of your toothache is by visiting your dentist for a professional exam.

Don’t Ignore a Toothache!

Toothaches rarely go away on their own. Typically, whatever is causing the toothache will continue to get worse until it’s treated. By visiting your local dentist, you can help uncover the cause and receive treatment before it’s too late to save your tooth!

Sources:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003067.htm
2. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/cracked-teeth/
3. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tooth

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How can you treat an infected tooth? While every case will differ, two common options are root canal therapy, in which your natural tooth is left intact, and extraction, in which your tooth is removed. Here’s when each might be appropriate for your infected tooth.

When Root Canal Therapy Is an Option

Root canal therapy can provide a way for patients to recover from a tooth infection and still keep their natural tooth. Your dentist will remove the infected nerve tissue of the tooth and seal the chamber, leaving the tooth intact [1].

Teeth that have minor chips and cracks can usually be repaired with root canal therapy, as can teeth that have deep decay but still have the majority of their tooth’s structure intact. Only your professional dentist can determine if a root canal is the best option to treat your infected tooth.

When an Extraction Is Best

Although dentists generally like to avoid removing a tooth when at all possible, there are cases where an extraction may be necessary. An extraction may be best for cases such as:

• A cavity that’s taken over your tooth. If your infected tooth is the result of a large cavity that compromises your tooth’s structure, your dentist likely won’t be able to save your tooth with a root canal.
• Your tooth has a large crack. Teeth that have cracks that extend below the gumline may also not qualify for a root canal and will instead need to be extracted.
• The tooth has been worked on several times. If your infected tooth has been through numerous dental procedures or has had a root canal previously done without success, it might be time to consider removing the tooth.
• The infection is the result of advanced gum disease. Some dental abscesses are the result of gum disease that’s progressed. In certain cases of an infection resulting from gum disease, a root canal may not be an option and the tooth will need to be removed [2].

Tooth infections are serious conditions. Bacteria from infected teeth have the capability to travel through the bloodstream, and in rare cases, can even be fatal [3]. Whether you receive root canal therapy or an extraction for your infected tooth, don’t hesitate to seek treatment from your dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-
explained/
2. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
3. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html

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But how exactly is a dental abscess treated? Your dentist may recommend the following
treatment options depending on how severe your tooth abscess is.

Draining the Abscess

First, your dentist or endodontist—a dentist who specializes in saving teeth—will need to drain
the abscess of the infection. Your dentist will gently lance the abscess to rid it of any pus and
other material before moving on to actually treating your tooth.

If your dental abscess was caused by gum disease, at this point your dentist may recommend a
deep cleaning (also called a root planing and scaling) to treat your gum disease and prescribe a
course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from coming back.

Root Canal Therapy

If the original infection was the result of infected nerve tissue (also called the pulp) inside the
tooth, root canal therapy may be able to help. An infection in the center of your tooth can
happen as the result of decay, an injury, or a cracked or chipped tooth.

When a dental abscess is present, the infected pulp will need to be removed and the tooth
sealed in order to fix the issue and stop the infection from returning. Depending on your unique
case, you may or may not receive a dental crown once the procedure is complete to protect
your tooth.

However, for some people, root canal therapy may not be possible to save the tooth. If your
dentist suspects the tooth can’t be saved, he or she may recommend extraction.

Tooth Extraction

Some patients will need to have their tooth extracted as a result of their dental abscess. Your
dentist will discuss the options with you beforehand to ensure the form of treatment is in your
best interest.

Your dentist can also talk with you about replacing your tooth after the extraction. It’s
important to replace your natural tooth as the loss of a tooth can also cause loss of jaw bone
and shifting teeth, which can change your smile over time.

A dental abscess can be very painful and should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible.
Whether the infection originally began in your tooth or in the gum tissue, your dentist can help
to drain and treat the abscess to provide you with relief and get your smile healthy again!

The post What Is a Dental Abscess, and How Is It Treated? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Depending on the severity of your cracked tooth, your treatment may be cosmetic or it may
require an additional procedure to save your tooth. What happens once you crack a tooth?
Here’s what you need to know.

Tooth Bonding

If the crack in your tooth only extends as far as the enamel, you may be able to forgo treatment
or you may need tooth bonding.

Tooth bonding—also called dental bonding—is a form of treatment in which a tooth-colored
resin is bonded to your tooth to protect it from further damage as well as to fill in chips and
cracks.

Tooth bonding will not be ideal for every cracked tooth, but it can be used to repair certain
cracks and stop them from getting worse. Visiting your dentist can help you determine if this
treatment is for you!

Root Canal

When a crack extends beyond the enamel and into the softer tissues of the teeth, it’s likely that
you’ll need root canal therapy to prevent an infection in your tooth. When a crack leads inside
the tooth, it can be a gateway for bacteria and food particles to enter your tooth and cause an
infection.

Depending on your unique case, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy with a dental
crown affixed to the end of the tooth to protect it from further damage. During a root canal,
your dentist will remove the inner pulp of your tooth to prevent an infection, or if the crack has
been present for some time, remove a potentially ongoing infection.

Since cracks have the potential to spread, it’s important to secure protection for the tooth in
order to avoid an extraction and save your natural tooth.

Extraction

In the event that the crack in your tooth leads below the gumline, your tooth may need to be
extracted. These are cracks that extend vertically down the tooth and towards the tooth’s root
and may be referred to as a split tooth.

In many cases, a split tooth is the result of a crack that’s been there for some time and has
extended down the tooth. Unfortunately, for many patients, the tooth in question will need to
be removed to prevent infection.

If you notice a crack in your tooth, getting it evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible can help
you receive the treatment you need to save your tooth!

Whether you have a superficial crack in your teeth or a deeper crack that’s causing you pain
and discomfort, it’s important to get in to see your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, a
cracked tooth is considered an emergency and should be evaluated that same day. Getting
prompt treatment can help you protect your cracked tooth to save your smile!

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