If you have a tooth that’s been giving you grief – whether you’re suffering from toothache or extreme sensitivity – your dentist may have proposed two options: root canal or extraction. But which one is right for you?
Root Canal Treatment at Lister House Dental
Root canal treatment has a bad reputation for being a painfully awful affair. But this simply isn’t true. It’s a great option for those wanting to keep their natural smile whilst supporting their oral health. It’s a bit like hitting the reset button on a tooth that’s been seriously damaged or infected. Here’s what the procedure entails:
- Your Lister House dentist gently removes the infected pulp, which is the soft tissue inside your tooth.
- They will thoroughly clean the space, removing any remnants of bacteria and ensuring the infection can’t return.
- Then, your dentist will fill the empty canals and seal the tooth with a cement-like material.
- Finally, your dentist may place a filling or crown over the tooth to fully restore function and aesthetics.
Contrary to popular belief, root canals aren’t painful. With local anaesthesia and our gentle, compassionate approach to treatment, this procedure will actually relieve the pain of your infection, not add to it. You may feel some discomfort or swelling following your appointment, but it’s nothing that over-the-counter medications can’t handle!
Tooth Extractions in Essex
Sometimes, a tooth is beyond saving. At this point, an extraction may be the best move to relieve your pain and remove the infection at the source. At Lister House Dental, we pride ourselves on our gentle approach to tooth extraction. We use local anaesthetic so that you won’t feel any pain at all during the procedure – only perhaps some slight pressure. Recovery may take a few days, but any discomfort felt will be manageable from home.
Root Canal or Extraction – Which Treatment Is Right For You?
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison between root canal treatment and extraction.
Root Canal Treatment
- Saves your natural tooth
- Has a quicker recovery period
- Eliminates the need for further dental expenses to fill the gap
Tooth Extraction
- Removes the problem tooth quickly
- Has a longer healing process
- Requires a replacement like an implant or bridge
If you’re still unsure which treatment is best for your smile, don’t worry! Our dental experts can help you make an informed decision based on the condition of the affected tooth and your overall oral health.