Tooth pain is common to a lot of people. And while it is not fatal, it surely affects how we eat and speak. This is also a sensation that we cannot ignore. Tooth pain is often caused by sensitivity, inflamed gums, or simply, a cavity. When deciding between root canal vs filling, understanding the severity of the tooth’s condition and the treatment’s longevity are important factors to consider for effective dental care.
Tooth filling and root canal therapy are two dental procedures that can solve the usual problem of tooth pain. However, we cannot just choose either of them. Our current dental condition will be the deciding factor. Consultation with our dentist can help determine which treatment is most suitable based on the extent of decay or damage to the tooth.
What Is Teeth Filling?
A teeth filling is a simple procedure to solve mild to moderate cavities. These cavities are holes left behind by tooth decay. If a tooth is decayed, the damage will infect the adjacent teeth. This is what a filling is trying to avoid.
The procedure starts with the dentist removing the dental decay inside. Once the tooth has been cleaned, it gets filled with restorative material.
Today. the standard material used is composite resin. It is not only safe but can also blend in with the color of natural teeth.
Dentists can do several tooth fillings in just one visit. The procedure is quick and takes just a few minutes.
Should You Go For Teeth Filling?
The composite dental filling procedure already works well for mild to moderate cavities. Minor cavities may not always be painful, though you may experience gum sensitivity or redness. Sometimes, they may show no symptoms at all.
Regular dental checkups are needed so that your dentist can tell you if a tooth is already developing a cavity.
What Is A Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment involves the dentist having to remove the inflamed pulp of a tooth. An inflamed or infected pulp is not a trivial issue. The infection may spread to the neighboring teeth and impact your overall health. This infection is often painful since the pulp is composed of nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels.
A root canal treatment begins with numbing your mouth with local anesthesia. Your dentist will drill through the teeth to reach and clean out the root canals and the pulp chamber. Then, they will shape the canals before filling the tooth with gutta-percha. The procedure ends with sealing the open hole in the tooth.
Should You Go For A Root Canal?
Persistent or severe tooth pain is among the signs that you need a root canal procedure. Genetics, injury, or a severe case of the cavity is often the cause of pain. A root canal can also ease tooth sensitivity to hot and/or cold temperatures.
The standard filling is not enough to solve these dental issues, but they can be appropriately addressed via a root canal treatment.
Root Canal Vs Filling: Let Us Guide You According To Your Needs
Visiting the dentist at least twice a year is necessary for our oral health. Dentists are trained professionals who want only the best for our pearly whites. Through a dental examination using only the best technology, board-certified dentists will know if a dental filling or a root canal therapy is suitable for your current needs.
Most of the time, they spot and solve a problem before it gets worse. Dental visits may be like a walk in the park for a lot of people, but sedation therapy is always available for patients who have dental phobia.
Schedule a dental checkup with us through our contact page.
