Have you been told you need treatment for a damaged or infected tooth? You might be wondering whether a root canal or tooth extraction is the better option for you. Whilst every case is different, our dentists in Harlow will usually recommend saving your natural tooth whenever possible. However, when a tooth can’t be restored, removing it might be the healthiest option long term.
Still undecided? Keep reading to find out more!
Special-Interest Endodontics at Lister House Dental Centre
Root canal treatment, or endodontics, removes infection from inside a tooth, then cleans and seals it, allowing you to keep your complete, natural smile. Your Harlow dentist might recommend this course of treatment if your tooth is badly damaged, decayed or infected, yet the surrounding tooth structure is still strong enough to be restored.
Many patients worry about root canal treatment, believing it to be painful. But here at Lister House, our in-house Special-Interest Endodontist uses only the most modern techniques, alongside local anaesthetic, to ensure your comfort. In fact, most of our patients remark that their treatment was no more uncomfortable than having a routine filling!
“I had a root canal, which was followed by Lister House Dental’s crown in a day. This was a great, convenient service where I could go in, get the first treatment for my crown, wait a few hours and have the crown fitted the same day. It worked really well for me, not having to go back another time and the added maintenance of being careful with the tooth prepared for a crown or needing a temporary crown. The dentist and all the staff were great and very helpful.”
When Should You Consider Extraction?
Sometimes, removing the tooth is the most appropriate course of action, and may be necessary if the tooth is:
- Severely broken
- Has extensive decay, particularly below the gum line
- Unable to be restored successfully
Your Lister dentist will always discuss the options available to you and, if an extraction is needed, they can help replace the missing tooth with one of our affordable restorative treatments.
Root Canal
- Saves your natural tooth
- Helps maintain your bite
- Treats infection whilst preserving the affected tooth
- Pain-free and completed under local anaesthetic
- Often the preferred option where possible
Tooth Extraction
- Removes the tooth completely
- May require an implant, bridge or denture to replace the tooth
- Recommended when a tooth can’t be restored
- Pain-free and carried out under local anaesthetics
- Sometimes the healthiest long-term solution
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal or extraction, booking a consultation with our Special-Interest Endodontist is a great place to start! Book a consultation at Lister House Dental Centre today!