Introduction
When confronted with significant dental issues, such as severe decay or infection, the decision between undergoing a root canal or opting for an implant can be complex. However, preserving your natural teeth is often the best option for maintaining oral health and function.
In this blog, we explore why root canal treatment is often the superior choice, highlighting the benefits of keeping your natural teeth intact and considering the key factors in making this critical decision.
The Value of Keeping Your Natural Teeth
Natural teeth are uniquely designed to function seamlessly with your jaw and surrounding muscles. The intricate structure of a tooth, consisting of enamel, dentine and pulp, allows it to absorb the forces of chewing and grinding in a way that artificial replacements like implants cannot fully replicate.
Keeping your natural teeth maintains this natural function and helps avoid the potential complications and longer healing times associated with tooth extraction and implants.
Natural teeth also provide sensory feedback, helping you chew and bite efficiently, something no artificial tooth can mimic. By opting for a root canal over an extraction and implant, you’re choosing to preserve this natural functionality and the structural integrity of your jaw, which is essential for long-term oral health.
Watch Dr Richard Kahan delve into this topic
What is a Root Canal, and How Does it Work?
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that has become infected or severely damaged. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the canals, then filling and sealing them to prevent further infection.
By preserving the natural tooth structure, root canals help maintain the tooth’s functionality and avoid the need for extraction. This means the tooth’s natural position is retained and ensures the surrounding teeth and jawbone remain stable and healthy.
Opting for a root canal over-extraction helps you avoid the need for a dental implant or bridge, which requires more invasive surgery and can take longer to heal. When performed correctly, root canals have a high success rate and can last a lifetime.
Common Misconceptions About Root Canals
Root canals have long been associated with pain and discomfort, but modern dentistry has significantly improved the procedure, making it almost pain-free. Here, we address some of the most common myths surrounding root canals.
Myth 1: Root Canals Are Painful
Contrary to popular belief, root canals are designed to relieve pain, not cause it. According to a study published in the Journal of Endodontics, over 90% of patients report that they experienced little to no pain during the procedure, thanks to advances in anaesthetics and techniques.
Myth 2: It’s Better to Extract the Tooth
Some believe removing the tooth is simpler than undergoing a root canal. However, preserving your natural tooth is always preferable, as extraction is associated with further potential dental issues, such as shifting teeth and bone loss.
Myth 3: Root Canals Often Fail
A comprehensive study by the University of Birmingham found that root canal treatments have a success rate of over 90% in the UK, with most failures attributed to improper post-treatment care rather than the procedure itself. This underscores the importance of proper maintenance and follow-up rather than the inherent effectiveness of the treatment.
These misconceptions often deter people from seeking treatment, but understanding the facts can help alleviate fear and encourage better dental health practices.
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment Over Extraction
Root canal treatment saves your natural tooth and ensures better oral functionality, such as maintaining normal biting force and sensation. Unlike extraction, which may lead to shifting teeth and jawbone deterioration, root canals keep the surrounding teeth stable and support the overall structure of your mouth. Additionally, a root canal preserves your natural smile without the need for invasive procedures like implants or bridges, reducing the risk of long-term complications and the need for further restorative work.
Alternatives to Root Canals and Their Drawbacks
While root canals are often the preferred method for saving a tooth, there are alternative treatments that some patients might consider. However, these come with their own set of challenges and drawbacks.
- Tooth Extraction: Involves removing the entire tooth from its socket.
Drawbacks: Tooth extraction leaves a gap that can cause surrounding teeth to shift, affecting your bite and overall dental health. It may also lead to bone loss in the jaw over time.
- Dental Implants: Involves replacing the extracted tooth with an implant.
Drawbacks: Implants require surgery, which can be invasive and expensive. Not all patients are good candidates for implants, especially those with insufficient bone density or certain medical conditions.
- Bridges: A dental bridge involves placing crowns on the adjacent teeth and attaching a false tooth (pontic) in between.
Drawbacks: Bridges require altering healthy teeth to support the bridge, which can weaken them. Additionally, bridges do not prevent bone loss in the jaw where the tooth was extracted.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Over time, a root canal is often more cost-effective than alternatives. While the upfront cost might be comparable to treatments like implants, root canals typically require less follow-up care and fewer additional procedures.
Conclusion
Preserving the natural tooth structure is one of the most significant advantages of choosing a root canal. Your natural teeth are uniquely designed to function optimally within your mouth, contributing to your overall oral health, chewing efficiency, and maintaining the integrity of your jawbone. Root canals allow you to keep your natural teeth, which not only supports your long-term dental health but also avoids the potential complications that can arise from tooth loss or the need for implants.
