At Bell Hill Dental, our dentists' common goal is always to preserve and maintain natural teeth for as long as possible. Root canal treatment often makes that possible. It's a treatment that eliminates a tooth's infection while preserving its natural structure, sparing the patient the need for extraction and replacement.
However, there are circumstances when tooth extraction cannot be avoided. Today, we'll look at the options and discuss when and why each procedure might be appropriate.
Option 1: The Emergency Root Canal in Dunedin (Saving the Tooth)
Our dentists always consider root canal treatment first because it saves a natural tooth. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) agrees, stating, 'Dentistry has yet to produce a denture, bridge, or implant that looks, feels, and functions as well as a natural tooth.'
A root canal removes the infected tissue within the tooth's pulp, alleviates the pain caused by the infection, and maintains the tooth's natural structure. Because of the nature of the procedure, the tooth is weakened, but our dentists will strengthen it with a crown so the patient enjoys all the chewing function they had before the infection.
Option 2: Emergency Tooth Extraction in Dunedin (Removing the Problem)
When a tooth is infected, fractured or damaged beyond what root canal treatment can restore, our dentists will suggest removing it. This becomes critical for the health of neighbouring teeth and the patient's overall well-being, as an infection can spread to other critical areas of the body.
The prospect of tooth extraction and replacement can be daunting for many patients due to the cost. However, New Zealand's Work and Income site states that there are grants for up to $1000 for eligible NZ citizens for 'immediate and essential dental treatment.'
Your team at Bell Hill Dental is here to help during dental emergencies. Contact us on 03-477 8387 for more information.