You are plagued with a throbbing tooth that is getting worse each day. A trip to your dentist reveals that your tooth is suffering from a severe infection that has reached the root of the tooth. Understanding your options for this diseased tooth helps you choose a resolution that will get you feeling your best while you enjoy your favorite foods.

Root Canal

A root canal is a procedure that removes the nerve and pulp of the sick tooth. Once the interior of the tooth is cleansed, it is sealed. A filling is inserted, sometimes at a later appointment. In cases with extensive damage, a crown may be placed over the tooth.

Without the nerve, the tooth cannot feel pain, nor can it decipher between different temperatures. Removing the nerve and pulp has no effect on the functioning of the tooth.

Root canals are performed when the patient wants to save the tooth. The procedure can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the tooth's location and how extensive the procedure is. Cases that require the placement of a crown are more costly.

Extraction with No Implant

If a tooth is beyond repair, extraction is an option. Simple extraction is performed by a dentist using local anesthetic, while a dentist or an oral surgeon may do surgical extraction using a level of IV anesthesia. Surgical extraction is reserved for more complex cases, such as those that involve teeth that have broken at the gum line.

Some patients opt for extraction with no dental implant because they think it is cheaper than a root canal. While the initial procedure may be cheaper, you must consider possible expenses down the road to fix problems caused by your teeth shifting. Factoring in these expenditures can ultimately make extraction more costly than a root canal.

Extraction and Implant

Extracting the tooth takes care of the pain the patient is suffering by removing its source. Without some type of dental implant, denture, or bridge, a hole will be left in the mouth. This hole can cause other teeth to shift and result in jaw problems.

Fitting the patient with a type of dental implant takes care of this issue. Patients may choose this option if they are unhappy with the tooth's appearance or that of their surrounding teeth. Dental implants can be costly and may require extra procedures to prepare the surrounding teeth and gum tissue.

Thanks to the assortment of dental procedures, there is no need to let a troublesome tooth plague you. You can select the procedure that best fits your budget, comfort level, and dental needs. Taking care of a diseased tooth removes the source of your pain so you can resume your daily activities pain-free. Contact Pinon Hills Dental for more information.