Should cavities be filled or treated with root canal treatment? What are the differences between them?

Should cavities be filled or treated with root canal treatment?

Cavities are a common oral health issue, and whether or not you are a candy lover, almost everyone has had a cavity at some point. When a dentist confirms that you have a cavity, the treatment options typically include filling the cavity or undergoing a root canal treatment. So, how to choose which treatment to undergo?

Filling a cavity is a treatment method that preserves natural teeth and is usually done in the early stages when the cavity has not severely damaged the tooth structure. During the filling process, the decayed part of the tooth is removed, and then it is filled with a dental material to restore the appearance and function of the tooth.

However, when a cavity is extensively damaged and affects the tooth's nerve tissue, root canal treatment may be a more suitable option. In addition to removing the decayed tissue, it involves removing the tooth's nerve tissue (called the dental pulp), cleaning and disinfecting the area, and then filling the nerve canal with a filling material to prevent reinfection.

Therefore, the choice between filling a cavity and undergoing a root canal treatment primarily depends on the severity of the cavity and the affected tooth's tissue structure.The tooth's tissues can be divided into enamel, dentin, and nerve tissue. Generally, if the cavity only affects the external enamel and dentin, and the root structure of the tooth is still healthy, filling the cavity is usually sufficient to restore the tooth. However, if the cavity has penetrated the dentin and nerve tissue, causing possible infection or pain, a root canal is more appropriate. If the cavity is located very close to the nerve tissue, it may be possible to attempt a filling first and then observe. If there is still discomfort, root canal treatment may be necessary.

Does root canal treatment cause pain?

Root canal treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia, so under normal circumstances, you should not feel pain during the treatment. So why do people often say that they experience pain during a root canal procedure?

The pain associated with a root canal treatment can generally be categorized into three types:

1. 1. Pain during Local Anesthesia: Before undergoing a root canal treatment, local anesthesia is administered through injections, and some discomfort may be felt during the injection process.
      
      
   2. Pain during the Root Canal Treatment: When a tooth is severely infected and the nerve tissue is significantly inflamed, the effectiveness of the anesthesia may be reduced, and you may experience pain during the treatment. If you experience any discomfort during the procedure, it is important to inform your dentist immediately. They can take appropriate measures, such as increasing the dosage of anesthesia, to alleviate the discomfort during the procedure.
      
      
   3. Pain after Treatment: After the effect of the anesthesia wears off, the treated tooth may feel uncomfortable. This is usually temporary, and your dentist will provide you with appropriate medication to alleviate the discomfort. If the pain persists or worsens, it is advisable to inform your dentist as soon as possible.

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Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are crucial.

Regardless, maintaining good oral hygiene habits and regularly visiting the dentist for check-ups are essential. Practicing good oral hygiene habits can help prevent cavities, and regular dental check-ups can help detect and address oral issues such as cavities early on.Cavities that reach the inner nerve tissue of a tooth don't develop easily, so it's important to seek early treatment for any dental problems to prevent them from worsening over time.