Should I Save My Tooth?
Root canal therapy is an attempt to save a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. If the tooth is extracted a fake replacement can be fabricated by your restorative dentist in a fixed or removable bridge, a partial denture, or through a fixed, endosseous implant, all of which also have a success and a failure rate. However, should a reasonable success rate be expected with the root canal, it is always best to try to save the tooth. The alternatives will still be available if the root canal fails and the tooth is lost, however, when the alternatives fail the options are limited. Therefore, unless a poor success rate is expected from the tooth due to poor structural integrity of the remaining tooth structure, saving your own tooth should be a primary goal.
|
In a recent, randomized, large scale study of a million and a half teeth in over a million individuals across the U.S.A. by Delta Dental Insurance Plan it was determined that 97% of such teeth were retained in the oral cavity 8 years after initial non-surgical endodontic treatment. This is a higher success rate than any of the alternative treatments to root canal therapy. It is especially better to first attempt root canal therapy since modern endodontic techniques and principles have made the procedure virtually painless and completely comfortable. Since the procedure is now an efficient, routine visit to the dentist, no more uncomfortable than a simple filling, it is further recommended that the natural dentition be preserved as a primary goal of the restoring the dentition to proper health and function.
|
