If we could, we’d magically make an infected tooth go away. In addition to causing pain, infection inside your tooth can lead to even more dental problems. Your two options are removing the infection with root canal therapy or extracting the tooth. Though we can perform either treatment, in many cases it makes sense to choose a root canal instead of extraction.

To help you determine which option is best for you, Dr. Dobry will examine you, explain both procedures in detail, and answer all of your questions. To schedule a consultation with him, cal us today at 586-210-6828.

A word about pain: If you’ve got a toothache, we’ll do our best to see you on the same day you call so we can quickly resolve your issue. We even make it possible to reach us after hours. A toothache can signal that an infection is present.

As a general rule, it’s best to preserve your natural tooth structure. A root canal allows you to do so. Using rotary technology, Dr. Dobry removes the infection from inside your tooth, disinfects the area, then fills the interior of your tooth with a biocompatible material called gutta percha. The final step is sealing your tooth with a restoration, usually a dental crown, to protect it from further damage.

Depending on the condition of the tooth and other factors, we often recommend a root canal instead of extraction because it involves:

  • Less Discomfort – For either procedure, we’ll numb your mouth with syringe-free anesthesia, and you’ll have the option of receiving laughing gas. The similarity ends there. It’s common to feel some discomfort for at least a day or two after a tooth is removed. In contrast, few patients experience anything more than a short lived slight soreness after a root canal.
  • Less Down Time – You will experience some bleeding after an extraction for 24 hours or so. You’ll also need to be careful about what you eat and drink for a few days, and you’ll have to be careful cleaning your teeth. In contrast, you’ll quickly feel like yourself after a root canal. You’ll need to make few if any adjustments to your routine.
  • Less Disruption to Your Smile and Your Life – When you remove a tooth, we’ll recommend replacing it. If you don’t, your nearby teeth can shift out of place and cause problems. In addition, a missing tooth can cause problems with speech and/or chewing, depending on where it’s located in your mouth. Plus of course, your smile will have a gap. You’ll avoid all of these issues by keeping the tooth intact with a root canal.
  • Less Hassle – Our recommendation for replacing a tooth is usually a dental implant. That’s because, unlike other kinds of replacement teeth, an implant keeps the bone in your jaw from deteriorating in the area where the tooth was removed. In many cases, this will involve time to allow your mouth to fully heal between implant placement and restoration. There’s no need for a replacement at all if you have a root canal.

We know that cost will likely factor into your decision on whether to have a root canal instead of extraction. While a typical root canal will cost more than a typical extraction, it’s important to look at the overall cost. If you decide to replace your tooth, which we strongly encourage, the cost of the two options will likely be similar. Depending on the type of tooth replacement you choose, you could even pay more for your extraction and tooth replacement than you would for a root canal.

We know it’s a lot to consider! We’ll take the time needed to answer all of your questions before you make a decision. Call Dobry Dental today at 586-210-6828 to make an appointment.