What Special Equipment Do Endodontists Use?
Endodontists play a critical role in saving teeth and maintaining your smile and your oral health. Learn about the special tools they use to achieve those goals with greater accuracy and optimal results.
Root Canal or Extraction? Here's Why Root Canal Wins
Severe tooth decay and trauma typically have two primary treatment options: root canal therapy (RCT) or extraction. While both treatments can eliminate painful symptoms, root canal therapy offers some clear benefits, meaning it’s almost always the preferred choice.
Unlike an extraction that removes your tooth, RCT eliminates the damaged portion while leaving the rest of the tooth intact. Topped with a durable crown, a tooth treated with RCT is strong, durable, and beautiful, too.
In this post, the team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC explains the primary reasons why root canal therapy typically “outshines” extractions in terms of both short-term and long-term benefits, so you can make the decision that suits your needs and goals.
Maintains bite balance
RCT preserves your natural tooth, and that’s where the biggest advantages lie. Keeping your natural tooth preserves your bite balance and supports your natural alignment, potentially reducing the risk of future problems, like jaw pain or chronic headaches that can happen when your bite is unbalanced.
No adjustment period
Preserving your natural tooth means there’s no need to adjust to an implant, bridge, or denture, and no need to learn a new care routine or restrict your diet, either. A tooth restored through RCT looks and “works” like it always has, so you can eat, speak, and smile the way you’re used to.
No complex surgeries
While many people believe extraction is a simpler, more straightforward process, remember: Many extractions require surgery with incisions into the gum tissue and bone. Those procedures use advanced techniques, too, but they’re often more complex and invasive than RCT and require a longer recovery period.
Better for your budget
If you think extractions are less costly, think again: Complex extractions can wind up taking a bigger bite out of your budget than RCT. And while a simple extraction might be less costly than RCT, costs don’t end with your initial treatment. A pulled tooth needs to be replaced with a bridge, denture, or implant, a necessary step that can definitely add to your post-extraction costs.
Avoids emotional impact
There’s no denying that losing a tooth can have a big impact on how you feel about your appearance and your overall health. Having a root canal and preserving your tooth avoids the emotional toll that often goes hand-in-hand with tooth loss, so you can maintain your confidence along with your smile.
That said …
While root canal therapy definitely offers some significant advantages over extraction, there are definitely times when an extraction is the better choice. For instance, if a tooth has severe traumatic damage, like a large fracture, or most of the tooth has been destroyed by decay, extraction is likely the better (and only) option.
If you have tooth pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms involving your teeth, gums, or jaw, don’t ignore your symptoms. To learn how we can help relieve pain and preserve your beautiful smile, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
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