Did you know that ignoring a cavity could lead to damage in the center of your tooth? If this happens, there are only a few options you can consider, including tooth extraction or root canal therapy. Generally, we recommend saving your natural tooth whenever possible, but there are benefits to both procedures.
Dentists typically recommend root canal therapy if the center of a tooth is damaged because the center of a tooth can be difficult to treat in any other way. A crucial part of root canal therapy is actually removing damaged tissue in the center of a tooth and sealing the tooth to prevent further infections. Once this has been done, our team will place a crown to match your natural teeth.
While root canal therapy is used to save a tooth, an extraction is usually recommended for a tooth that can’t be saved. This treatment is generally recommended for a tooth with compromised structure or a severe fracture. Similarly, if you don’t treat cavities quickly enough, your tooth could die—making tooth extraction a necessity. Again, whenever possible, our team recommends saving a damaged tooth rather than removing it.
If you have more questions about either of these treatments, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 540-657-0867. Dr. Shivaprasanna Rai and our team will be happy to examine your smile and offer you personalized advice. We’re excited to hear from you soon!