A Root Canal in Waterbury will Save Your Tooth from Extraction

If you have a tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or an infection, your dentist has likely recommended that you have a root canal in Waterbury. However, you are having second thoughts about the procedure. Instead, you are considering having the tooth extracted. While this may seem like the simpler option, the long-term complications from tooth loss are not in your best interest. It is best to follow your dentist’s advice to have the tooth treated with root canal therapy.

Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal

It is estimated that 74% of adults have had a tooth extracted, making it seem like a common procedure; however, that number also includes 10 million wisdom teeth that are removed each year. The remaining extractions are often performed when there are no other viable means to save a tooth. Although extractions may seem common, they are only used as a last resort.

Every tooth in your mouth plays an important role in your oral health and the proper functions that are needed for chewing and speaking. When even one is lost, it causes your quality of life and oral health to decline, as well as your confidence. However, the complications of tooth loss are not always visible.

When a tooth is missing, the underlying jawbone is no longer stimulated. As a result, it begins to lose density, causing the adjacent teeth to suffer from inadequate support. Over time, they can begin to shift out of alignment, leading to overcrowding. This makes them more difficult to clean, increasing the risk for tooth decay and gum disease. However, the complications are more extensive than that as additional tooth loss will likely occur if the missing tooth is not replaced.

While an extraction may seem like the simple and cost-effective solution, the long-term costs of replacing the tooth and preventing additional complications are expensive. Instead, it is not only better for your oral health to save the tooth, but also better for your wallet.

Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal

According to the American Association of Endodontics, more than 15 million root canals are performed each year to save teeth from needing to be removed. The procedure involves removing the inner most layer of the tooth, known as the pulp. Then, the tooth is sealed with a special material known as gutta-percha and a custom-made dental crown is placed over it.

This procedure rehabilitates the health of the tooth, allowing it to potentially stay in place forever. In addition, the function and appearance of it is restored to promote a beautiful smile.

Offering a high success rate and the ability to prevent the complications of tooth loss, it is important to choose a root canal over an extraction whenever possible. Your dentist in Waterbury will discuss your options to find the best solution that meets your needs.

About Waterbury Smiles

Waterbury Smiles is committed to helping you maintain your oral health through state-of-the-art services. We provide personalized solutions to help you reach your oral health goals. If you have a severely damaged tooth, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We will help determine whether an extraction or root canal is in your best interest.