Endodontics: The Cost Effective Treatment for Tooth Infection

When it comes to dealing with a tooth infection, the only treatment options involve removal of the infected pulp through tooth extraction or root canal therapy. But canine teeth or molars are large and functionally important teeth, such that removing them would pose a challenge, in addition to creating a large wound that needs careful management.  

This would then be followed by replacement with partial dentures, bridgework, or implants to restore chewing function, aesthetic of your smile, and to keep adjacent teeth from shifting. But since all these options require either surgery or dental procedures on adjacent healthy teeth, they tend to be more time consuming and expensive than a restoration of the tooth with root canal therapy. As effective as tooth replacement options are, nothing is as good as a functioning natural tooth with the ability to last for many years to come. 

There are many practical reasons for choosing root canal treatment and saving a natural tooth rather than removing and replacing it. These include:

Preserve Your Natural Tooth 

Root canal therapy allows you to restore the tooth to its normal form and function. It may cost more than extraction, but it allows you to save a tooth and prevent gaps in your smile that will have to be filled later with invasive treatments. The tooth root is particularly important as it continues to stimulate the underlying bone for optimal oral health. 

Cost-Effective and Efficient 

Although tooth removal is the most affordable tooth infection option, it can be more expensive in the long-run if you include the cost of replacing the tooth with implants, bridgework, or partial dentures. 

Fast and Convenient 

Once endodontic treatment is complete and the tooth is restored with a crown, it doesn’t need any follow-up except your regular dental visits. Moreover, most dental insurance plans cover the treatment. 

Strong and Stable 

Endodontic treatment is successful in over 95% of cases and can help you continue to eat your favorite foods, maintain your natural smile, and eliminate the need for ongoing dental work, as a restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. 

Final note 

While many people assume that a root canal is scary and painful, modern techniques and effective anesthetics make the procedure just as painless and comfortable as any other dental treatment. And once it is complete, the tooth infection pulp (nerve) will be removed and the tooth restored so you can function normally with no pain or discomfort. 

Learn more about root canal therapy by contacting your dentist in Chula Vista, CA today!