Is root canal treatment best for a dental cavity? What causes dental cavities and what are the common symptoms of tooth decay? We will look at the differences between root canal treatment vs cavity filling.
Dental cavities start with a tiny opening in your teeth. You may notice a discolouration in the affected tooth, which is also mistaken for tooth discolouration.
Dental cavities are treated using different procedures. The dentist will recommend a particular treatment based on how severely damaged the tooth is.
So when is it best to recommend cavity filling or root canal? Keep reading to find out the causes of dental cavities and symptoms indicating a cavity on your tooth.
What Is a Cavity?
Dental cavities or tooth decay is a discoloured mark (brown or dark-coloured) and hole that develop on the cervices of your teeth.
At first, you may notice a small opening like a tiny white spot on the affected tooth. It will become a larger black, grey, or brown opening if left untreated.
It’s estimated that the number of bacteria in the human mouth is at least 20 billion. This is the main reason it’s important to brush and floss regularly and also avoid smoking.
Tooth decay occurs when acid-producing bacteria in the mouth erode the tooth enamel. A spot where tooth decay is likely to develop is in your back molar. Or the spot where your teeth meet the gum.
If you notice you may have tooth decay, early treatment will help to prevent any further damage. Dental filling may be recommended by a dentist since the tooth is not badly damaged.
But if left untreated, the deeper layer of your teeth will affected and this may cause permanent damage.
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What Causes Dental Cavity?
Poor dental hygiene and excessive consumption of sugary foods and beverages is what mainly causes dental cavity. The bacteria feed on what is left of these sugary foods and beverages.
The bacteria release an acid that causes your tooth enamel to erode.
Although tooth decay is caused by poor oral hygiene, excessive sugar consumption, dry mouth, or due to lack of protective fluoride treatment, it’s also common in individuals with a family history of cavities.
What Is Cavity Filling?
Cavity filling is a common treatment to fill a cavity or minor tooth decay.
Tooth decay is caused by acid-producing bacteria in the mouth and If left untreated, it can cause an infection or even tooth loss. The best time to see a dentist is during the early stages when the tooth is still intact.
Cavity fillings are made from materials like composite resin, porcelain, silver, gold or ceramic. These materials are used to seal off the hole in your tooth to prevent the bacteria from spreading.
If you notice something unusual with your teeth or experience symptoms like sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or toothache, don’t hesitate to see a dentist.
What Is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatments may be the only option to repair an injury to the tooth nerve or an infection on the affected tooth.
The damage that requires a root canal treatment is very severe.
Now how would a dentist perform a root canal treatment?
Firstly, the dentist may begin by examining the teeth. Performing an X-ray examination will help the dentist identify the root cause of the problem. After taking X-rays, the dentist will be able to determine if it’s best for a root canal treatment or a less invasive solution.
During this dental procedure, the dentist may use a drill to get rid of the affected pulp and nerve. After that, the affected nerve will be sealed and the dentist may use a dental crown or filling to restore the tooth’s structure.
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Symptoms Indicating You Have Dental Cavity
Dental stains and cavities appear similar because of the tooth discolouration in the affected tooth.
Unlike dental stains, you will start to notice some signs when there is a tooth decay. Tooth decay should be treated at early stages to prevent further damage to the teeth.
If tooth decay is not treated on time, it can cause dental problems gum diseases or tooth loss.
This is why it’s important to pay attention when there is tooth sensitivity or unusual pain.
If you notice something unusual with your teeth or experience any of the symptoms listed below, it’s best you see a dentist.
- Experiencing pain whenever you chew or bite
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold beverages
- An unusual change in the colouring of your tooth enamel
- Redness or swelling in the gums around a tooth
- A tooth that has become loose or teeth that are weakened from the gum
Cavity Filling vs Root Canal: Comparing Cavity Filling and Root Canal Procedure
Dental filling is one of the most common procedures used by dentists to repair tooth decay.
It’s a straightforward procedure that begins with the dentist numbing the area around the affected tooth. After that, the dentist then removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth.
The next step is to fill the cleaned tooth with a specific material like composite resin. To complete the procedure, the filling is then shaped, cured, and polished.
Unlike dental filling, root canal treatments are best for serious tooth decay and damage.
A dentist will recommend cavity filling for minor tooth damage caused by decay, while root canal treatments involve repairing extensive dental decay.
Root canal treatments are best for clearing out root canals of the affected tooth to prevent infection and further damage.
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Cavity vs Root Canal: Key Differences between a Cavity Filling and a Root Canal Treatment
In what situation would a cavity filling or a root canal treatment be required?
Cavity Filling
Cavity filling is a common treatment to fill a cavity or minor tooth decay.
Dental cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria in the mouth, and if left untreated, itcan cause an infection or even tooth loss. The best time to see a dentist is during the early stages when the tooth is still intact.
Cavity fillings are made from materials like composite resin, porcelain, silver, gold or ceramic. These materials are used to seal off the hole in your tooth to prevent the bacteria from spreading.
If you notice something unusual with your teeth or experience symptoms like sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or toothache, don’t hesitate to see a dentist.
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Root Canal
Root canal treatments may be the only option to repair an injury to the tooth nerve or an infection on the affected tooth.
It’s a dental procedure performed by dentists to repair and restore a decayed or damaged tooth. Root canal treatment is one of the most common procedures in dentistry to treat injuries to the tooth nerve as well as infections.
This dental treatment procedure is the best option for extensive damage to the tooth, an infection or severe decay.
Cavity vs Root Canal: How to Prevent Cavities
Practising good oral hygiene is a good start to preventing dental cavities. You also want to limit your consumption of sugary foods and dark-coloured beverages.
Here are a few tips to prevent dental cavities:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and also flossing once a day
- Drink plenty of water after eating sugary foods or drinking dark-coloured beverages
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and ensure you visit your dentist every six months
- If you notice an unusual pain or swelling in your teeth, visit your dentist
Cavity Filling vs Root Canal: Cost for Cavity Filling and Root Canal Treatment
The cost of dental filling depends on what material is used for the treatment. If the dentist uses the silver amalgam, expect to pay a fee of about $50 to $150 per tooth.
If they use the tooth-coloured composite resin, expect to pay up to $90 to $250. Lastly, if the cavity fillings are made of porcelain or gold, the price goes up to $250 or may even cost up to $4,500.
Conclusion
Dental cavities are treated using different procedures. The dentist will recommend a particular treatment based on how severely damaged the tooth is.
Root canal treatments may be the only option to repair an injury to the tooth nerve or an infection on the affected tooth. Cavity filling is a common treatment to fill a cavity or minor tooth decay.
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References
- Auroradentist: Tooth Decay Treatment: Filling vs. Root Canal
- Windycityfamilydental: Filling VS Root Canal – The Differences Between Treatments
- Prairiepinesdental: What is The Difference Between Having a Cavity and Needing a Root Canal?
- Metrodentaltuckahoe: CAVITIES AND ROOT CANALS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
