In this post from Steven T. Cutbirth DDS in Waco, we are going to talk about root canals, tooth extraction, and dental implants.
When a tooth’s nerve and pulp becomes infected, we make a judgment call: whether to try saving the tooth with root canal therapy, or extracting it.
Sometimes patients think an extraction is the best choice. Can’t they just have the tooth pulled, and replaced with a dental implant? Whether that’s because root canals have a bad reputation and implants have a good one, or it’s something else entirely, we couldn’t say.
The truth is that extracting a tooth is a traumatic procedure. It’s extremely invasive, and extractions may allow more bad bacteria to get into the bloodstream.
Performing a root canal is actually the better way to go. It’s true that most people associate them with pain. But that’s a myth; modern root canals are about like getting a cavity filled, in terms of patient discomfort. Better still, they allow you to keep your natural tooth. That is always preferable!
Dental implants are state-of-the-art in tooth replacement, and a revolutionary development in dentistry. But it’s a myth to think they’re a better option than extraction. A dental implant would mean more time in the dentist’s chair and a lot more cost.
At Steven T. Cutbirth DDS in Waco we save a lot of teeth with root canal therapy. Patients from Woodway, Hewitt, and Robinson also come to us for dental implants, and much more. Call to schedule your next checkup today!
Contact Steven T. Cutbirth DDS:
254-772-5420
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1613 Lake Success Dr
Waco, Texas
76710