Having root canal treatment is not exactly the definition of a fun time, but in most cases, it’s one of the best methods of saving a tooth or multiple teeth.
Not only this, but a root canal is also the best way to ease the discomfort or pain of an infected or damaged tooth. And if you’ve ever lived with serious toothache, you’ll stop at nothing to ease the pain.
But with all of this in mind, you might still be wondering whether it’s the better option to remove a bothersome tooth altogether? For more on how to make this decision, check out the rest of this blog.
Is It Better to Remove a Tooth After Root Canal Treatment?
You might have heard claims that root canal treatment can do more harm than good. But this is far from the truth. It’s a fool-proof dental procedure that aims to soothe tooth pain/discomfort, without you having to lose teeth unnecessarily.
In many cases, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper dental hygiene. Nine times out of ten, a root canal is a successful procedure that bears only positive results. However, there are scenarios that impact the success of the procedure. Some of these include:
.Recurring bacterial infections in the mouth
.A canal that’s over or under-filled
.Seal leakage from the affected tooth
.Instrument complications that damage the tooth
.A tooth canal that’s left untreated
All of these issues can lead to complications down the line that might result in tooth removal. However, they are far rarer than common.
When Should You Remove a Tooth?
The answer to this is fairly simple — if you have a tooth that’s a constant source of pain due to recurring issues or infection, it’s better to pull the tooth.
While saving your teeth is always the better option, there might be certain factors that limit the likelihood of saving it. However, you should always discuss this with your dentist first. They will do their best to assess the issue and fix the problem with the right endodontic treatment necessary.
This is called re-treatment of the tooth after a root canal. Sometimes tooth removal is not the better option, especially if it’s one of your key teeth, such as a molar or your front teeth. Ultimately, you’ll need to pay for a tooth implant, a bridge, or denture which is usually quite costly.
What Does Re-Treatment Involve?
All in all, re-treatment of your affected tooth is similar to your root canal procedure. The first step is to remove the crown from the tooth so that your dentist has access to the canal.
They then remove the filling, clean out the canal, and inspect the tooth. Your dentist will look for signs of damage or infection that might result in your tooth issues/pain.
After they’ve identified the issue, they’ll refill the tooth, add a filling, or pop on a temporary crown. In some cases, you might need an apicoectomy, which removes the root tip.
If problems still persist, you’ll have to re-visit your dentist in Port Coquitlam to discuss your options and whether it’s worth keeping your tooth or removing it.
Got a Tooth That’s Bothering You?
Most of the time, root canal treatment is the best option to consider if you have a bothersome tooth you want to keep. With Prime Dental Confidential Group, you can rest assured that your teeth are in the best hands. You can expect a positive outcome and keep the smile you’re familiar with.
Whether you’re looking for general dentistry, orthodontic treatment, emergency treatment, cosmetic dentistry, we offer it all. Get in touch with our team and make your oral health a top priority.