Treating an Infected Tooth: Root Canal vs. Extraction
When you have a severely infected or damaged tooth, you may face a choice: root canal treatment to save it, or extraction and replacement.
When you have a severely infected or damaged tooth, you may face a choice between root canal treatment to save it, or extraction and replacement. Both are valid options in different circumstances, and the right choice depends on the condition of the tooth, your overall oral health and your long-term plans.
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp tissue, cleans and seals the canal, and then restores the tooth with a crown or filling. When successful, the tooth can function normally for many years — sometimes a lifetime. Keeping your natural tooth is almost always preferable to extraction because it maintains the integrity of your jaw and prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting.
Extraction is sometimes the right choice when a tooth is too badly damaged to restore, or when the cost of treatment is not justified by the expected lifespan of the tooth. However, extracted teeth should nearly always be replaced — either with an implant, bridge or denture — to prevent the problems associated with missing teeth. At Family Dental Clinic we will help you weigh up all options at your consultation. Call 01243 771171.
Need advice on an infected tooth? Call 01243 771171 to book a consultation.
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