When Saving Teeth is Better: Why a Root Canal and Crown is Better than Extraction

Posted on: 23 February 2017

Toothaches and dental abscesses can leave you in so much pain and bother that you might one day decide that enough is enough. Take out the tooth, take out the problem. That's an understandable reaction, especially if your tooth or teeth have been bothering you for a considerable length of time.

It is also true that an extraction is far less costly than a root canal and crown. However, whenever possible and providing there is enough tooth structure remaining, it might be better to opt for a root canal and crown.

A Root Canal and Crown is Cheaper in the Long Run

At first, you will be relieved to be free of the pain and sensitivity should you opt for an extraction. However, whichever course of action you then decide upon may end up costing you more than a root canal and crown procedure.

If you choose to not replace the tooth, the teeth adjacent to the newly created gap will gradually move into the space. This will cause your teeth to crowd in on each other, making them harder to clean while at the same time pushing your bite out of alignment. Furthermore, the tooth directly above the gap may supererupt, meaning it will grow into the space left by the extracted tooth.

In all of these cases, chewing may become more difficult than before as your teeth no longer connect the way they should. To correct your bite, you will need braces to move your teeth back into a favourable position. This will cost you money, time and comfort.

Your Tooth Could Last a Lifetime

Once your root canal is completed and the crown placed, your tooth could last a lifetime provided you practice good oral hygiene.

Your Facial Features Won't Suffer

When a tooth is removed, the bone that once held the root of your extracted tooth in place begins to deteriorate and is reabsorbed by the body. This loss of bone causes your face to shrink in that area, changing your appearance and causing wrinkles.

You Will Retain the Ability to Chew with Force

If you extract the tooth, you won't be able to chew your food as comfortably or with as much force as before. This applies even if you decide to opt for an implant or partial denture. As a result, foods like steak will be harder to chew than before.

Implants and Partials Require Maintenance

Both implants and partial dentures require constant maintenance as well as frequent visits to your dentist. There is also the risk that they may break and need to be replaced.

As you can see, there are many benefits to keeping your natural teeth though it might not seem it when you are suffering from a severe toothache. However, once a dentist or endodontist has treated your tooth's nerve, filled the pulp chamber and fitted a crown, you will be pain-free and able to eat more comfortably than you have in a long time. 

To further improve your smile after resolving dental abscesses, consider teeth whitening.

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