Did a sharp jolt of pain suddenly attack you while biting on your favorite food? It’s natural for you to seek dental care as soon as possible. However, you might struggle to decide between a root canal and a tooth filling. Having the necessary information on these two procedures can help you make the right decision.
Read this blog to learn whether you can choose fillings instead of this tooth-pulp removing procedure.
Why Does This Matter?
Your teeth consist of several layers that protect your nerves and other tissues. When damage or decay reaches the inner pulp, it starts affecting your blood vessels and tooth roots.
Choosing between a filling and root canal treatment isn’t a matter of convenience or price; it’s about maintaining your oral health and preventing future issues.
When Should You Choose a Dental Filling?
This dental procedure is perfect for small to minor tooth cavities. Here’s when a filling may be sufficient:
- Decay is only in your enamel and hasn’t reached your inner tooth pulp.
- You can find no evidence of pulp infection or inflammation.
- There is no sign of severe pain after consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Absence of excessive swelling or sensitivity.
During this procedure, the dental professional will remove the damaged part of your tooth and fill it with restorative procedures such as composite resin or amalgam to recreate its original shape and function. This method is less invasive and faster, and can conserve the tooth without the need for prolonged treatment.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?
Is your tooth too infected and damaged? In that case, you might need root canal therapy in Weatherford. The signs are:
- Recurring, aching tooth pain that doesn’t subside.
- Sensitivity that persists long after exposing the tooth to extreme temperatures.
- Swelling or pain in the surrounding gums.
- Darkening of the tooth indicates severe pulp damage.
- Appearance of an abscess or pus along the tooth root.
This therapy consists of extracting the infected or damaged pulp, disinfecting the tooth interior, and sealing it to prevent the spread of infection. You can save the tooth structure.
Can You Always Get a Filling Rather Than Root Canal Therapy?
No, you can not always choose a filling over a root canal. The choice depends on the severity of tooth decay. Choosing the wrong procedure will only worsen your pain and even cause a dental abscess in severe cases.
Dentists will use different dental technologies, such as X-rays and pulp vitality tests, to take the best course of action. If your pulp is slightly irritated, the professionals can fill your tooth and keep you under observation.
However, if the infection has spread already, then the extensive pulp removal procedure is the only way to save your tooth.
Tips to Prevent Root Canal Therapy
Here are some ways to protect your teeth in order to prevent this invasive dental procedure as much as possible:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to clear plaque between teeth.
- Restrict sugary and acidic foods as they can damage your enamel.
- Visit the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.
- Treat cavities early before they become too serious.
Deciding between a root canal and a filling is based on the stage of your dental infection. Filling a tooth can easily repair small cavities, but the extensive therapy should be your go-to if you have an infected pulp. Avoiding timely treatment will only worsen your condition.
Are you suffering from cavities? Schedule a consultation today to learn more.
