Pull a Tooth or Save It?

When your tooth is in pain and it just won’t go away, it’s time to get in touch with your dentist ASAP. Whether due to a lasting medical condition or recent physical damage, your tooth is now getting loose and it may be damaged beyond repair. Only one question remains: pull a tooth or save it?

Pull a Tooth or Save It?

If he can, your periodontist in Beverly Hills will do everything to save your tooth. But in some cases, an extraction may be necessary. There are a lot of different reasons for a pained or injured tooth, and that reason can determine whether you need to keep or ditch that tooth. Dr. Justin Raanan takes toothaches very seriously; let’s take a look at the requirements for a root canal versus a full extraction.

When Is a Root Canal Necessary?

First, you should understand how the root canal process works so you can start deciding whether this is the right procedure for you.

How Root Canals Work

A root canal procedure consists of your dental professional numbing the area and removing infected pulp from inside your tooth. Pulp is at the very bottom of your tooth, under the layers of enamel and gums. When an infection spreads too far, this pulp can get infected. Damage may also cause the pulp to be affected beyond repair. By “deadening” the tooth and pulling out this infected material, the shell of the tooth (the white part you use to eat with) can live on without risk of spreading the infection further.

Lastly, your dentist may have to place a dental crown after a root canal procedure. While not every patient needs a crown afterward, it is recommended to get one in order to support the structure around your weakened tooth.

When You Need It

If your tooth has infected pulp but is otherwise in good condition, it may be saved. The doctor will recommend a root canal. This way you do not have to deal with the gap that comes from a missing tooth. The sooner you can bring up your tooth pain with your dentist, the easier it will be to treat this problem.

When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

If your tooth is too injured or infected beyond repair, it may need to be removed altogether. Your professional Beverly Hills dentist will help explain what this procedure entails.

How Tooth Extractions Work

This is a quick and pain-free procedure in most cases. Your dentist will provide a numbing agent so you don’t feel anything, and then he will loosen your tooth slowly. Lastly, he will pull out your tooth using a tool. You may have some bleeding and swelling for the next day or so, but it will go away after that. Your dental professional can prescribe medication to help get rid of any pain or discomfort during the recovery period.

When You Need It

Tooth extractions are usually suggested as a last resort. If there is no chance that your tooth can be saved using a root canal procedure, then you will have to go through with an extraction. Your dentist will follow up with you about necessary restorative treatments that you can take advantage of to fill in the new gap from your extracted tooth.

Find the Right Dental Procedure for You!

If you have a toothache that just won’t go away, or you are experiencing a lot of pain after a sudden injury, you should visit your certified dental experts right away. Dr. Justin Raanan can help you determine whether your tooth requires a root canal or a tooth extraction in Beverly Hills. Get in touch with our friendly professionals today to get the help that you need. You should always be putting your dental health first!