When a tooth is infected or badly damaged, there are usually two choices: treat it with a root canal and keep it, or take it out. Here is what a dentist looks at before suggesting one, and what each choice means for you afterwards.
Most people ask the same thing when they hear the word root canal: "Can we not just take the tooth out?" Sometimes that is the right answer. Often the tooth can be kept. The choice depends on the tooth, and it is made after an examination and an X-ray, not before. If you are deciding now, our page on root canal treatment in HSR Layout explains how the treatment works at Pristine Dental Clinic.
Inside every tooth is a soft part called the pulp. It can get infected through deep decay, gum disease, a chip or crack, or an abscess. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals it so it does not get infected again.
The NHS puts it plainly: if you have an infected tooth and do not have root canal treatment, you may need to have the tooth taken out.
Before suggesting either choice, the dentist checks how much of the tooth can still be used. These are the things they look at:
Cleveland Clinic notes that root canals sometimes do not work if the damage is too severe. In that case, the options are another root canal, or removing the tooth and replacing it with an implant or a bridge.
The tooth is numbed first. The dentist then opens the tooth, removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the inside, and fills and seals it. Some teeth are done in one visit, others need two or more.
Many teeth need a crown afterwards, to protect what is left. The NHS says a crown may be needed if the tooth was badly infected. The area can feel sore or swollen for a while. The NHS says this should get better in a couple of weeks, and paracetamol or ibuprofen can help.
The big plus is that you keep your natural tooth, with its own root in the bone. Cleveland Clinic says most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes, and some need more than one visit. At Pristine Dental Clinic, root canal cases can be seen by Dr. Anjali Patel, MDS in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics (an endodontist treats the inside of the tooth).
A tooth extraction takes the tooth out of its socket in the jaw, after the area is numbed. Taking the tooth out removes the problem tooth in one go. But it leaves a gap, and most people want that gap filled.
So, when a tooth is removed, the next question is how to fill the gap. The usual options are:
Each of these is another treatment with its own visits and cost. That is worth knowing when you compare the two choices.
| Root canal treatment | Tooth extraction | |
|---|---|---|
| Your natural tooth | Kept | Removed |
| Afterwards | Often a crown to protect the tooth | A gap, usually filled with an implant, a bridge or a denture |
| Visits | One, or two or more | The extraction, then more visits if the gap is filled |
| Often chosen when | Enough healthy tooth, root and bone are left | The damage is too severe to save the tooth |
When you sit with the dentist, ask about the whole picture, not only today:
At Pristine Dental Clinic, the dentist shows you the X-ray and explains the options, the number of visits and the cost before anything starts. You decide once you have the full picture.
An infected tooth does not always hurt at first. Cleveland Clinic lists signs such as a pimple or boil on the gum, a swollen jaw, a tooth that has turned darker, a loose tooth, pain that spreads to the jaw or face, pain when chewing, and tender or swollen gums. You can read more on the NHS root canal page.
If you notice any of these, see a dentist soon. Cleveland Clinic advises not to wait if you have swelling and pain.
Not sure if your tooth can be saved?
Book a check at Pristine Dental Clinic in HSR Layout. The dentist will look at the tooth, take an X-ray if needed, and explain both choices before you decide.
Cannot find your question here? Call the clinic and the team will answer.
Call 090193 67756Cleveland Clinic says a root canal can remove the infection, stop it spreading and save your natural tooth. It also says root canals sometimes do not work if the damage is too severe, and then the tooth may need another root canal or removal.
It depends on the tooth. If enough healthy tooth is left and the root and bone are sound, a root canal lets you keep your own tooth. If the damage is too severe, removing it may be the better choice. A dentist decides after an examination and an X-ray.
The tooth and gum are numbed with a local anaesthetic first. The NHS says you will be awake but should not feel pain during the treatment. The area can be sore or swollen afterwards, which should settle in a couple of weeks.
Some teeth are done in one visit, others need two or more. The NHS says it usually takes 2 or more appointments. The dentist tells you how many your tooth needs before starting.
Many teeth do, to protect what is left of the tooth. The NHS says a crown may be needed if the tooth was badly infected. The dentist will tell you if your tooth needs one.
The infection does not go away on its own. The NHS says that without root canal treatment you may need to have the tooth taken out. If you notice swelling, see a dentist soon.
Pristine Dental Clinic, 1703, 19th Main Road, Sector 2, HSR Layout. Open every day, 9 am to 12 midnight.
Call 090193 67756This article gives general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a check by a dentist. If you have swelling near your eye or neck, or trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking, go to a hospital emergency department straight away.
A dental clinic in Sector 2, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, led by Dr. Athhar Maswood K. Open every day, 9 am to 12 midnight.
Call 090193 67756