The most frequent operation carried out in dental clinics is root canal therapy. It is the preferred method for saving a decayed tooth and preserving the remaining natural tooth structure. The procedure involves removing the entire dental pulp and filling the root canal with a root-filling material, typically gutta-percha.
Before undergoing the procedure, it is important to be aware of the pros and cons of root canal treatment. This knowledge will help you make a conscious decision during the dental procedure.
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Reasons to Get a Root Canal Treatment
When the bacterial invasion reaches the dental pulp, the entire pulp tissue gets infected and inflamed. This may lead to several complications, such as pain, swelling, and abscess formation.
The infection of dental pulp results from:
- Dental decay, caused by long-term neglect of caries, can lead to bacteria leakage into the pulp cavity.
- A fracture of the tooth caused by trauma or injury can expose the pulp tissue.
- Internal resorption or necrosis of pulp tissue occurs when pulp tissue is necrosed from within and thus requires immediate removal.
- Bruxism, or the habit of grinding teeth, can cause severe damage to the tooth structure, leading to attrition that may lead to extreme sensitivity and pain.
- Cracks in the tooth can result from chewing hard food and excessive chewing forces leading to pain.
Top Pros of Root Canal Treatment
There is much debate around the pros and cons of root canal treatment. Here are some benefits of the treatment:
Preservation of Natural Teeth
The dentist can remove the diseased portion of the tooth using a root canal while keeping the tooth’s natural structure intact. Preserving the natural tooth structure helps maintain bone health and ensures normal functioning of the teeth. It saves the tooth from extraction, thereby preventing the subsequent issues that can arise from tooth loss, such as the drifting of teeth in abnormal directions and bone resorption.
Reduces Pain and Stops Infection from Spreading to Other Tissues
An infected tooth causes excruciating pain that can be unbearable. The pain may last from seconds to several hours and can interfere with daily activities. If treatment is not initiate promptly, bacteria can spread to the periapical tissues, causing pus formation, which leads to swelling. The pain from a tooth infection can result in sleepless nights and requires urgent treatment.
Root canal treatment provides pain relief from the very first session. If the case is severe, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics.
Cost-Effective Solution
Root canal treatment is more cost-effective compare to tooth replacement after extraction. Tooth replacement options can be quite expensive. The price range for a dental implant is $1,500 to $5,000, with costs potentially rising due to the need for additional treatments to ensure the success of the implant. Root canal treatment is highly affordable and helps retain the natural tooth, eliminating the need for tooth replacement.
Restores the Natural Function of the Oral Cavity
Root canal treatment relieves tooth pain and helps restore basic function. The patient can chew properly, returning the tooth to its natural function. Many people tend to chew from only one side due to pain, which puts excessive stress on one side of the face. The patient is able to chew normally on both sides once the pain has subsided.
Minimally Invasive Procedure
The root canal procedure is not as extensive as extraction or dental implant placement. It is minimally invasive and allows the natural tooth to remain in the oral cavity even after the treatment is completed, without the need for surgical intervention.
Root Canal Cons
Root canal pros and cons go hand in hand. It is important to understand the few complications associated with root canal treatment and the impact root canal cons have on teeth.
Treatment Weakens the Natural Teeth
Root canal therapy requires the removal of pulp tissue, which is responsible for the life of the tooth. The tooth is nourished and kept alive by the blood vessels and nerves found within the pulp. Once the pulp is removed and the blood supply is lost, the tooth structure weakens over time. It becomes brittle and prone to fracture, even under normal biting forces.
Time-Consuming
Root canal treatment requires multiple visits, and the severity of the infection determines how many visits are necessary. It may take longer than the usual 2-3 visits, which can be inconvenient for the patient, requiring them to visit the dental office repeatedly.
Chances of Failure
If a root canal is not properly cleaned, the pain can return over time due to remaining bacteria, causing discomfort even after treatment. In such cases, the root canal may fail, and the patient may require retreatment for complete debridement.
May Lead to Jaw Pain
Root canal visits can take up to half an hour or more. In teeth with multiple roots, the dentist requires additional time to locate the canals. Jaw pain might result from keeping the mouth open for a lengthy amount of time, which may lead to further complications such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues.
Requires Additional Treatment for Complete Success
Root canal treatment requires the placement of a crown on the treated tooth to prevent fracture. This can be seen as both a pro and a con of the procedure. One advantage of the crown is that it makes the rotting or damaged tooth look better. However, crown placement requires grinding of the natural tooth structure, which can further weaken the tooth and add additional cost. This can be considered a con of the root canal.
Conclusion
The pros and cons of root canals are closely related, and while there are some potential downsides, the advantages typically outweigh the disadvantages. The treatment not only relieves pain and prevents further complications but also preserves the natural tooth structure, which is vital for maintaining overall oral health, proper chewing function, and the integrity of surrounding teeth.
For the best results, it’s crucial to seek expert care.
At Anoka Dental, we provide comprehensive and pain-free root canal treatment to ensure your comfort and the long-term health of your teeth. Our skilled Anoka dentist team uses advanced techniques to make your procedure as efficient and stress-free as possible, guiding you through every step of the process, including informing you of the pros and cons of root canal treatments.
