People with dental problems have many options to help fix them and treat damaged teeth. Many people opt for tooth extraction as it eases dental pain almost immediately. However, a root canal is also available if you want to save your natural tooth.
This article explains and compares root canal and extraction procedures in Singapore, as well as the risks involved.
So, let’s dive right in!
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction
A root canal treatment procedure involves the removal of the pulp, which is the soft inner part of a tooth. It is often performed by a general dentist or endodontist.
When the pulp is injured or becomes infected, a root canal treatment is recommended. This is to preserve the structure of the tooth and save your natural tooth.
On the other hand, tooth extraction is a relatively quick outpatient procedure that removes visible or impacted teeth. When the tooth to be removed is visible, it’s a simple extraction. But if the tooth to be extracted is impacted, it is a surgical extraction. A dentist or oral surgeon performs the extraction procedure, whether it is simple or surgical.
Root Canal: The Procedure
A root canal treatment procedure starts with anesthesia. Your dentist will inject local anesthesia into your gums. You may feel a burning sensation, but it will pass quickly.
You’ll remain awake during the entire procedure, but the anesthesia will prevent pain.
And once your tooth is numb, your dentist will make a small opening in the top of your tooth. The root canal specialist will carefully remove the damaged pulp and clean out all the canals in your tooth.
After removing the pulp, your dentist may place a topical antibiotic in the affected area to prevent reinfection. And after the canals are disinfected, your dentist will likewise fill and seal your tooth with a filling material called gutta-percha.
At the end of the root canal treatment procedure, a soft material is put in the small hole at the top of your tooth to keep saliva from damaging the canals.
Tooth Extraction: The Procedure
If it’s a simple extraction, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around your tooth. Just like what anesthesia does in a root canal in Singapore, it will also keep you from feeling any pain.
Your dentist will then start loosening your tooth and use forceps to remove it.
On the other hand, if it is a surgical extraction, you’ll receive not only local anesthesia but also intravenous anesthesia. The latter will make you calm and relaxed.
During the extraction, your dentist will cut into your gum and may remove the bone around your tooth or cut your tooth before extracting it.
The Risks of a Root Canal and a Tooth Extraction
While a root canal treatment procedure is intended to save your tooth, it can, however, pose some risks. These include the loss of the tooth, the development of an abscess at the root of the tooth, the persistence of bacteria, an inadequate filling, and an improper seal.
If any of these issues arise during or after your root canal in Singapore, it is best to visit your dentist or endodontist to address them right away and get your tooth back in working order.
At the same time, there are also risks associated with tooth extraction. Bleeding, discomfort, and swelling are the usual side effects of tooth extraction. In addition to these symptoms, you may also experience a cough, chest pain, nausea, a nerve injury, a severe fever, redness at the surgical site, and vomiting. In order to reduce or minimize such a risk, ask your dentist how to successfully manage your healing.
Conclusion
To determine whether a root canal or tooth extraction is right for you, it is recommended that you consult your dentist. Be sure to discuss your options so you can come up with an informed decision.
