Your dentist has given you a choice. It is a big one.
Saving a natural tooth is almost always the better option. Your real teeth let you chew properly. They keep your jawbone healthy. They stop nearby teeth from shifting.
What a root canal actually involves
You might have heard horror stories. They are outdated. Modern root canal treatment is routine. Your dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the canal, and seals it. You walk out with your tooth still in place.
The process takes one or two visits. You leave with a temporary filling while a crown is made. That crown protects your tooth for years.
When extraction makes more sense
Sometimes the tooth is too far gone. A crack below the gumline changes everything. Severe bone loss around the root is another red flag. If the tooth cannot be saved, removal prevents infection from spreading.
But an extraction creates a new problem. You need a bridge, implant, or partial denture. Those cost more than a root canal and crown. They also require work on surrounding healthy teeth.
How to decide
Ask your dentist directly: can this tooth be saved? If yes, choose the root canal. You recover faster than you think. You keep your natural smile.
Do not wait. Infection spreads. What is treatable today might become irreversible tomorrow.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice