Depending on the cause of your tooth pain, a dentist may recommend you either have the tooth pulled or undergo a root canal. Despite the bad rap root canals have in popular media, here are two reasons why you should opt to undergo one rather than have your tooth removed completely.
No Harmful Gaps
The problem with tooth extraction is it creates a gap in the mouth. You may think this is only an issue if one of your front teeth were removed—thus impacting the look of your smile—but a missing tooth anywhere can negatively affect how your mouth functions.
For starters, a missing molar (i.e. one of your back teeth) forces your other teeth to absorb the pressure exerted by chewing. This can cause your other teeth to wear out faster and require treatment earlier than expected.
Secondly, despite being attached to your jaw, your teeth do move around. If you don't replace the missing tooth with an implant, your other teeth will move to fill in the space over time, leading to gaps in other places in your mouth and possible bite misalignment.
Root canals, on the other hand, preserve as much of the tooth as possible. After removing the pulp causing the pain and cleaning the inside, the tooth is filled and sealed. After a short period of healing, you'll be able to use the tooth like normal, making this option a good one for preserving both the form and function of your mouth.
Less Expensive
As noted previously, missing teeth need to be replaced to prevent oral health problems down the line. Typically this means getting implants, though you may have the option of getting dentures if you've lost enough teeth.
Either option comes with a hefty price tag. A single dental implant can cost up to $3,000 per tooth while mid to premium dentures that look natural can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000. In comparison, a root canal can cost $300 to $2,000 depending on the tooth's location.
It should be noted that most dental plans will cover root canals and some will pay part of the cost of dentures if you can prove they're medically necessary. Unfortunately, dental implants are not covered by insurance because they are classified as cosmetic procedures.
Getting a root canal is a good way to preserve your existing tooth and save a few dollars in the process. It's a good idea to discuss the procedure with your dentist to ensure it's the right option for you. For more information, contact a local emergency dentist.
Share10 February 2023
If you are someone who hesitates to open your mouth when you smile because you are embarrassed about your teeth, you should know that there are a number of cosmetic techniques that can give you a beautiful smile you will be proud to show to the world. As a cosmetic dentist, I have seen many clients transform their lives simply by fixing their smiles. This blog is meant to encourage people to find out about the possibilities in cosmetic dentistry so they can feel good about their smiles. A beautiful, confident smile really can change your life. I would love to show you how.
