Saving Natural Teeth with Endodontic Treatment
Sometimes a cracked tooth is inevitable. You may have been in a sports accident, or perhaps you’ve broken a tooth in a car accident. Whatever the case for you, you likely want to save as much of your natural tooth as possible. While opting for an extraction may seem easier at first, a root canal is often your best choice for ongoing oral health. The team at Friesz Family Dentistry is invested in complete dental care, and we typically recommend root canal therapy over extraction. Our dental clinic in St. Cloud, MN is well-equipped to provide advanced family dental care of all kinds. Trust our expert team the next time you need a root canal.
Ways to Save Your Teeth
Root canals are often the best way to save your natural tooth. If you’re given a choice between root canal therapy and extraction to save a cracked tooth, always opt for a root canal. Some dentists may recommend tooth extraction, but you have the right to ask if a root canal is a viable option for you. If your dentist says no and you’re set on saving your tooth, ask to speak to an endodontist. An endodontist is a dental services provider that specializes in root canals and saving teeth. They’ll be your best bet for a professional opinion on your course of action.
What Is a Root Canal?
Most of us have heard of root canal treatment, but you may not know what it is or how it can save a broken tooth. Root canals, or endodontic treatment, are used to remove bacteria that have infected the root of a tooth. Your dental care professional will eliminate the infected pulp inside your tooth and clean the area to prevent reinfection. Afterward, the tooth is refilled and sealed for a natural appearance.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
After a root canal or any other kind of advanced dental care, you’ll need to take some tooth-saving measures at home. While the root canal has done the hard work for you, you’ll want to take proper precautions to ensure a quick recovery. You may experience some increased sensitivity or slight discomfort. Fortunately, most patients find relief with over-the-counter pain medications. You’ll also need to avoid chewing on the tooth too much, especially if you like crunchy snacks.
Benefits of Saving Natural Teeth
While saving a tooth from extraction may not seem like a big deal, there are actually numerous benefits to keeping as much of your natural tooth as possible. At our dental clinic, we strive to recover your natural tooth whenever we can. Root canal therapy is the most common way to do this, and many patients report satisfaction with choosing a root canal over extraction. Some of the top benefits of saving your natural teeth include:
- Easier chewing, biting, and eating
- Less expensive than continuous dental work
- Restoring your natural appearance
How to Avoid Losing Natural Teeth
You may not always be able to avoid a cracked or knocked-out tooth. However, after the fact, you can often avoid a full extraction. First, talk to your dental health services provider about your preferences. Let them know you want to save as much of your tooth as possible. Don’t choose extraction because the initial cost is cheaper. After the extraction, you’ll pay extra for a replacement implant or denture. Moreover, avoid choosing tooth removal because it seems faster or less painful. With modern dental techniques, root canals are not as uncomfortable as you may think, and they only take one or two one-hour visits to Friesz Family Dentistry or a local endodontist.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you need a root canal, don’t hesitate to talk to the team at Friesz Family Dentistry. Our St. Cloud, MN dental clinic is dedicated to preserving your natural teeth as long as possible. We can provide even more tooth-saving tips and share our expertise in ways to avoid a tooth extraction. We’re here to help you and your family enjoy a healthy mouth for as long as possible. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment with us.
