Are there any benefits in having a root canal? Our dentist at Byfleet Dental answers
When you have recently recovered from a dental infection, you are probably eager to prevent another one from occurring.
And in modern-day dental care, there are two ways that our team can prevent the recurrence of a dental abscess. The first and oldest method is to extract the infected tooth; we will only do this if the tooth is decayed or damaged beyond repair. The second option, which we will always aim for when we can, is to perform endodontics, in other words a root canal.
At Byfleet Dental, our dentist in West Byfleet has helped many patients to retain their teeth using root canals and we can perform this rather simple procedure with ease at our surgery. We will ensure that any queries you have about the treatment are answered and any fears you have are assuaged, helping you to make the best decisions about your long-term dental care.
So, what are some of the advantages that a root canal can offer over an extraction? Our dentist in West Byfleet provides five key benefits below.
Aesthetic
If your infected tooth was a back molar, aesthetics may not be such a large concern.
However, if it was a front tooth, an extraction may not be so appealing cosmetically. When our dentist in West Byfleet performs a root canal, we can assure you that your tooth will not turn black, no one will know the procedure has occurred and your tooth will look and feel as good as new.
Cost-effective
An extraction may be cheaper in the short term, but long term, a root canal is often the better option.
A missing tooth will require restoring, which can lead to the fitting of dental implants or a bridge, both of which are time-consuming and can require maintenance to remain correctly fitted to your mouth. As a root canal preserves the tooth, you can rest assured that none of these long-term implications will come into play.
Preventive
A root canal can also prevent issues from occurring, such as the spreading of the initial infection. It can stop a secondary infection and problems caused by having an extraction, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
A gap in your teeth can act as a magnet for plaque and bacteria, causing decay and gum disease to form. But as our team will actually remove all of the infected debris, this will prevent the infection from spreading around your mouth, keeping your oral and general health in top condition.
Orthodontic
An extracted tooth causes the gum and jawbone to recede, as they are no longer holding a tooth in place. This can cause the surrounding teeth to move out of alignment, creating orthodontic issues which can then need to be corrected.
Long lasting
With correct maintenance, fitting and aftercare, a root canal can last the rest of your life without an issue occurring or the initial infection coming back. So, compared to the secondary issues that can occur with extraction, that’s a great result all around.