When do You Need a Root Canal vs. a Tooth Filling?
A tooth cavity affects the part of the tooth that protrudes above the gum line, so a simple tooth filling is usually sufficient to treat it. If the infection moves deeper, however, it requires a root canal. If left untreated the tooth will become infected and eventually, completely decay. Here at Northern Beaches Dental Practice in Frenchs Forest, we offer our patients a comprehensive range of quality and professional services. These include tooth fillings with different materials, depending on your needs, budget and specific oral requirements and root canal, or tooth canal procedures. Root canal treatment can often be a source of anxiety, as many are afraid of the pain and the cost that go along with it. However, with the right dental practice and the right habits in oral hygiene and mouth care, root canal treatment is just as routine as any other dental treatment. Ensure you visit your dentist twice a year for regular check-ups and we can help you stay on top of your dental care.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a common dental procedure used to remove bacteria from the inside of your tooth. The process is similar to a routine filling for a cavity, however, it is a more serious procedure. If left untreated, this can lead to serious infection and you may need the tooth pulled out. Underneath the enamel of your tooth is a hard layer called dentin. The innermost part of your tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp. Pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues, to help your teeth grow when you are an adolescent. By the time you reach adulthood, your teeth no longer need to grow, so adult teeth can survive without the pulp. When the pulp becomes inflamed and infected, a root canal is in order. During the root canal procedure, your dentist will remove the infected pulp and then seal the tooth back up to avoid further infection. But do root canals hurt? This process requires anaesthesia, so it is no more or less painful than a dental filling.
What is a Tooth Filling?
Compared to root and tooth canals, a tooth filling is a simpler dental procedure. A tooth filling is when a dentist uses a material such as gold, composite resin, amalgam or porcelain to fill in a dental cavity and avoid the cavity becoming worse and eating away at your tooth. The purpose of a dental filling is to take the place of where a cavity once existed and to fortify the structure of your tooth, so it doesn’t become prone to damage and breakage. With regular dental check-ups from a qualified dental practitioner, you can stay on top of your oral health and know when cavities are a problem your mouth. If you keep up with your dental check-ups, fillings will be all you will need. If left untreated, a root canal treatment will become necessary.
Visit Your Local Dentist Today
For a root canal treatment or to find out more about how to treat your dental cavities, call Northern Beaches Dental Practice today on 02 9190 6925 or chat with us online.