04/11/2024
FILLING vs ROOT CANAL: What Procedure Do I Need?
How to Know If You Need a Filling or Root Canal
Despite several similarities, it is possible to determine which procedure is required for your cavity or decay based on the symptoms you are experiencing.
Symptoms for Fillings
Symptoms that you may require a dental filling include toothaches or throbbing and stabbing pains in your teeth, particularly when chewing or biting. The affected tooth or teeth may also be more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and/or have minor dental decay such as dark spots or small cavities. It is also common for floss to snap during flossing due to getting caught on jagged, cracked, or worn-away areas of your tooth.
Symptoms for Root Canals
Symptoms of root canal damage may include moderate to severe tooth pain in the affected area, swollen gums, and extreme sensitivity to different temperatures. You may also notice changes to their cosmetic appearance, such as a dark spot or cavity, or have sustained tooth damage, including a loose tooth, a fractured tooth, or damage to prior artificial crowns or dentures.
Shared Symptoms
Fillings and root canals share symptoms such as pain, toothaches, swelling, sensitivity to extreme temperatures, and visible damage to teeth. The difference between the two is that if a root canal system is damaged and infected, the severity of symptoms will be much higher.
Filling Treatment
A tooth filling involves the surgical insertion of a material into a damaged tooth to restore its original shape and prevent further decay. Unlike root canal treatment, fillings can be used for relatively minor decay. Fillings are advantageous because they are relatively cheap, protect your teeth from further damage, and may even prevent you from ever needing a root canal. The downsides are that certain material deteriorates more rapidly, resulting in further cavities, infections, and poor aesthetics.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a way of saving your natural tooth rather than replacing it with fixed dentures or implants. The procedure involves cleaning and removing dead or decaying pulp from the tooth and then re-sealing it with a crown. This method is advantageous as your natural teeth are more efficient for chewing, help protect the adjacent teeth from overuse, and are generally more aesthetically pleasing. However, root canal treatments can also weaken the tooth, require multiple visits, and may not eradicate the infection if performed poorly.
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