The Benefits Of Choosing A Root Canal Over A Tooth Extraction

Posted on: 16 May 2022

Over the years, root canals have gotten a bad reputation as one of the most dreaded dental procedures. This is unfortunate because there are actually many benefits that come along with choosing to get a root canal rather than simply extracting the affected tooth. Below you can learn more about these benefits so that you can choose the dental procedure that is best for your long-term oral health needs.

Root Canals Prevent Loss Of Bite Strength

Having even a single tooth extracted can result in a reduction in bite strength. This is because, in order for your teeth to maintain optimal bite strength, all of your teeth will need to be in alignment each time you bite down. If even a single tooth is missing, you will notice a difference in how well you are able to bite and chew your food. Choosing to save your tooth through a root canal will allow you to avoid this loss in bite strength while effectively addressing issues of tooth decay. 

Root Canals Prevent The Need For Implants Or Dentures

If you choose to have a decaying tooth extracted rather than undergoing a root canal and having a crown attached to the treated tooth, you will inevitably need to consider the use of a dental implant or dentures in order to replace the extracted tooth. These tooth replacement options can be expensive and will typically require a lifelong commitment to ongoing maintenance. Choosing the option of getting a dental implant will also require you to undergo surgery and a rather lengthy recovery process. A routine root canal treatment can allow you to avoid all of these issues. 

Root Canals Prevent Possible Bone Loss

Whether you choose to have your tooth extracted or you ultimately end up losing this tooth due to untreated issues with decay, you could find yourself dealing with issues of bone loss as a result. This is because whenever a natural tooth is lost, the empty socket that it leaves behind will begin to close. This will ultimately result in your jawbone shrinking and can alter the shape of your face. A root canal helps to save the structure of your natural tooth while cleaning away the decayed enamel and eliminating tooth pain. Thanks to the ability to maintain the tooth's natural structure, root canals will ultimately allow you to avoid the bone loss that often accompanies tooth loss.

For more information about root canals, talk to a dentist in your area.

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