People who have tooth decay often ask: Can an infected tooth be saved rather than extracted? In this article, we answer this question and discuss tooth extractions and preservation procedures.
Can an Infected Tooth Be Saved Instead of Being Extracted?
Whether an infected tooth can be saved depends on the extent of the infection. If possible, an infected tooth is treated with root canal therapy. Let us look at this procedure in detail.
How Root Canal Therapy Helps Save the Infected Tooth from Extraction
Root canal therapy is used when the infection affects the inner pulp of the tooth, but its structure is still intact enough to be salvaged. During this procedure, your doctor will access the inner chambers of the tooth through its crown to remove the infected pulp and clean the canals. Then, the canals are filled with a special biocompatible material and hermetically sealed.
Root canal therapy is always performed with a local anesthetic to prevent the patient from experiencing pain or discomfort during the procedure. The entire procedure typically lasts about an hour, but the time depends on the tooth’s location, the number of canals, and the extent of the infection.
Typically, patients experience significant pain relief immediately after the procedure compared to the pre-procedure pain. However, the tooth is likely to remain sensitive or sore for several days after the procedure. During recovery, you might also experience mild swelling. These symptoms typically resolve within a week, provided your post-procedure care is adequate.
The symptoms that you need urgent dental care and likely root canal therapy include:
- Persistent toothache (often very strong)
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature
- Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Swelling of the gums around the tooth or in the face
- Changes in the color of the tooth (can appear gray or brown)
- Fever in combination with the other symptoms
- Pimples on the gums around the tooth or pus oozing from periodontal pockets
Is a Crown Necessary After a Root Canal
A dental crown is often recommended after a root canal, especially if the infection was extensive, a significant part of the pulp is removed, and the tooth’s walls and structure are considerably weakened. A crown protects the fragile tooth from new damage and fracture and reinforces its structure, restoring its chewing function.
When an Infected Tooth Has to Be Extracted
As we mentioned before, not all infected teeth can be saved with root canal therapy. Typically, the tooth should be extracted in the following cases:
- The infection is too extensive, and there is not enough of the healthy structure left
- The infection has spread to the surrounding gum tissue, teeth, or the jawbone
- The tooth is cracked below the gum line.
- The tooth had been treated with root canal therapy before, but it became reinfected
- An infected wisdom tooth is typically extracted even when a root canal is technically possible
In the majority of cases, a tooth extraction is a relatively quick procedure and can take as little as 10 minutes. It is always performed using a local anesthetic and does not cause any significant discomfort. With proper care, you may expect the extraction site to heal within two weeks.
Make an Appointment at The Smile Artists LA
If you experience any of the symptoms of a tooth infection listed in this article, make an appointment with an experienced Culver City dentist as soon as possible. Remember that the tooth can be saved from extraction only if the issue is addressed in time. We look forward to helping you restore and maintain your oral health.
 "The Smile Artists")