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26

Dec

Root Canal vs Filling

wisdom tooth extraction aftercare

Learn the difference between a root canal vs filling! Find out which treatment is right for you, how they work, and what to expect.

Our teeth are an excellent tool for eating and drinking however with age they become extremely vulnerable to damage. Chances of cavities and tooth decay also increase overtime.

But if these cavities or decay are left unattended, they might damage the root canal system or the soft tissue inside our teeth, ultimately causing infection and inflammation. In some situations, cavities are treated with fillings; however, in more serious cases, a root canal may be required.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine whether you need a root canal vs filling initially owing to their similarities and hard-to-reach sites. A dentist near you can help you making a decsion.

Root Canal


You can save your natural tooth without replacing it with a permanent denture with a root canal treatment. The rotten tooth is first cleaned in this process, then the decaying pulp is removed.

The tooth is then re-sealed with a crown. The main advantage of this method is that it does not remove your natural tooth as they are more efficient in chewing, are more visually pleasing, and also protect the adjacent tooth from being overused.

However, the root canal has certain disadvantages, such as weakening the tooth, requiring multiple visits, and if not performed properly, there is a chance of a recurrence of tooth infection.

Dental Filling


However, filling is usually done for minor decay, whereas root canal treatment is preferred for severe tooth decay.

Some of the advantages of dental filling are that it is a less expensive procedure, it prevents further tooth decay, and it can also save you from getting a root canal treatment.

But there are a few disadvantages of dental filling, such as poor quality filling material may deteriorate rapidly, increasing the risk of further cavities or infections; it may also affect the appearance of the tooth.

How To Know If You need a Root Canal vs Filling


Although root canal vs filling are very similar, deciding which one you need depends upon your symptoms.

Signs You Need a Root Canal Treatment


In contrast to root canal vs filling. Signs that you might need a root canal include moderate to severe pain in the affected tooth and a feeling of extreme sensitivity while having hot or cold beverages. Other symptoms include changes in the appearance of the tooth, such as dark spots or cavities, or having a damaged or fractured tooth, a previously damaged crown, or dentures.

Signs You Need a Dental Filling


In contrast to root canal vs filling. If you are experiencing throbbing or stabbing pain in your tooth while biting or chewing, then this is a sign that you may need a dental filling. You might also experience extreme sensitivity while having hot or cold beverages or foods in the affected tooth, or you may have small cavities or dark spots that indicate minor tooth decay. Moreover, your floss might break more frequently because of the rough, chipped, or worn-out parts of your teeth.

Common Symptoms


Some symptoms are common for both root canal vs filling such as toothache, sensitivity, swelling, and tooth decay. However, in case of a damaged root canal system, the above-mentioned symptoms will be severe.

Cost Difference of Root Canal vs Filling


When it comes to cost, as root canals with severe tooth decay therefore they are more expensive than dental filling which is only required when there is a minor damage.

However, the cost varies from patient to patient, depending on the severity and the number of teeth damaged.

Root Canal Treatment Cost


The cost of a root canal procedure ranges between $1,500 to $1,900 per tooth. However, this cost varies depending on factors such as the number of teeth infected , severity of infection, how much the dead pulp has to be removed and to what extent reshaping of the inner root canals is required.

Dental Filling Cost


The cost of filling usually depends upon the type of material used, the severity of the damage, the number of teeth that require filling, and if there are any other procedures required before filling.

Why NO to Leave the Decay Unattended


If tooth decay does not get a proper treatment it can lead to some serious complications. There are chances that the tooth pulp might get infected, also the infection may spread to the adjacent tooth and gums ultimately increasing the risk of a dental abscess.

In more serious cases the infection might travel through your blood affecting other organs and may also lead to heart disease. Some other complications of untreated decay are loss of tooth and gum disease.

Conclusion


Your dentist will recommend whether you need a root canal vs filling based on your condition and symptoms. Your dentist will also consider the severity of disease and the damage to your teeth.

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