Tooth pain can often mean one thing—your tooth is infected and needs immediate attention. The degree to which your tooth is decayed and the location of the infection will warrant the need for either root canal therapy or an extraction.
Here we’ll explore what you need to know in case either of these options is presented to you.
Why Do I Feel Tooth Pain?
Our teeth are made of both hard and soft tissue. The outer enamel protects the inner tooth from decay and infection. Decay reaching the inner pulp causes inflammation, thus causing tenderness in the surrounding area and dental pain.
When decay goes beyond the enamel and enters the dental pulp, patients generally have two options: root canal therapy or an extraction. Root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth from requiring an extraction, thus preserving the natural tooth’s root. On the other hand, when a tooth is too badly decayed, extraction becomes the only option to preserve surrounding bone and dental structure.
Root Canal Therapy
This procedure involves opening a tiny space on the crown of the tooth where special tools have access to the inner canals housing the pulp and nerve endings. Dentists go into the tooth and clean out any bacteria, decay, or debris that may be causing infection and inflammation. Once completely cleaned, a dentist will fill the canals with special hardening material that protects against reinfection. A crown is placed atop the treated tooth to restore the structure and further protect the tooth from damage or trauma.
Having previously been associated with a painful procedure, advancements in dental technology have made root canal therapy much more comfortable.
Extraction
An extraction can be a fairly simple and straightforward procedure that eliminates decay before it can spread to other areas of the mouth and contribute to greater dental complications. Extractions may also be necessary when teeth are impacted or overcrowded.
Following an extraction, patients have a choice of tooth replacement options. These include bridges or dentures, depending on how many teeth are missing after an extraction procedure, or dental implants as comprehensive replacements for missing teeth.
Find Out More
We’re here for you! Call our practice and schedule a consultation with Dr. Zachary Gilbertson to explore options for treating decay. Madison Center for Dentistry offers both root canal therapy and extraction, as well as tooth replacement and restorative options to help you maintain a fully functional smile.