Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Various TV shows throughout history have pointed out how painful root canals can be. If they are really as painful as they are made out to be, why would anyone even want to get one? Sometimes they are a dental necessary. Here are the most common reasons someone will need to get a root canal.

The Pulp or Nerve Is Infected

When a tooth's pulp or nerve becomes infected, most dentists will perform a root canal. The infection can happen for reasons such as tooth decay or teeth cracking. The pulp and nerve are both removed—regardless of which one was infected—and the tooth is then resealed. Further damage is prevented due to this. Most of the time, this treatment can be finished with just a one or two appointments. It is very similar to a filling in that sense.

To Avoid Tooth Loss

The other main option to repair this type of damage to a tooth is to have it completely removed. This will mean you have a gap where the tooth once sat and will need to get it repaired with a false tooth later. The root canal may sound more painful at first, but there isn't the longer-term pain associated with tooth extraction. Root canals are also not surgery. There is a much lower risk of infection, and you could avoid the cost of dental implants for many years.

Keep Your Mouth's Structure

Losing a tooth and not instantly getting it replaced will lead to a compromise on your mouth's structure. There is the risk of food getting caught in the gap, and you may find it hard to chew your food. You also run the risk of weakening the surrounding teeth, as they don't have anything to keep them in position.

Opting to essentially mummify your tooth means you get to keep that structure in place. The tooth will be more brittle, but at least it is there. You can always strengthen the tooth with a crown later on to protect it from damage.

Don't Deal With Pain

There's no pain within the tooth once you have the pulp and nerve removed. You'll barely notice that it is even there, once the initial discomfort and numbness from anaesthetic wears off. With tooth extractions, the pain can last while the whole gum heals.

Getting a root canal is very much like a filling. The treatment is completed quickly and effectively, and you don't suffer the loss of a tooth. For more information, contact professionals like Barberio Frank DMD PC.