Root Canal vs Filling: Which Treatment Is Right for Your Damaged Tooth?
Our smile enhances the beauty of our face, but when pain or decay starts in the teeth, it is not only painful, but the problem can increase further if not treated at the right time. Often, people do not understand for which dental problem it would be better to get a root canal or only a filling will do. Both are dental treatments, but they are used in different situations.
Many times, people ignore minor pain without proper information, due to which a complex procedure like a root canal may be needed later. At the same time, some people get scared even in a minor cavity and start thinking of getting a root canal, whereas only filling is enough.
If you are also conscious about the health of your teeth and want to understand when a root canal is needed and when only a filling can solve the problem, then this article is for you. Let us know in detail what the difference is between these two dental treatments, what their process is, and in which situations which treatment is right.
What is dental filling?
Filling is a common dental treatment, which is used when there is a mild or more cavity in the tooth or there are small holes in the teeth. In this, the dentist cleans the affected part and fills it with a dental filling material like silver or other materials. This prevents the cavity from progressing, and the tooth remains strong.
When is filling needed?
When there is mild decay in the tooth
There are small cracks or holes
Sensitivity is felt but has not reached deep
The root of the tooth is not damaged
What is a root canal?
When the cavity or infection of the tooth reaches the root (pulp), then only filling does not work. In this situation, root canal treatment (RCT) is done. In this, the dentist removes the infected tissue from the root of the affected tooth, cleans it, fills it with a special material, and then seals it. This can save the tooth, and there is no need for extraction.
When is a root canal needed?
When the cavity is so deep that it reaches the root of the tooth
There is a lot of pain in the tooth, especially while eating and drinking
There is swelling or infection in the nerves of the tooth
Swelling or pus formation in the gums
Root canal vs filling-
Need: Filling is needed for mild cavities, whereas a root canal is needed for deep cavities or infections.
Process: In filling, the tooth is cleaned, and the gap is filled with material, whereas in the root canal, the infected nerves are removed, and the tooth is sealed.
Time: Usually, a filling takes 30 to 60 minutes, and a root canal may take 1 to 2 sessions. However, if the teeth are more damaged, it will take more time.
Cost: Filling is a less expensive process, whereas a root canal can cost from 50 thousand to 1 lakh.
Recovery and pain: Filling causes mild pain, and the patient recovers quickly, while a root canal causes a little more pain, and recovery may take 1 to 2 weeks or a month.
If there is a mild cavity in the tooth, then filling is the right option, but if the pain is persistent and the infection has spread to the root, then a root canal becomes necessary. By taking treatment at the right time, teeth can be saved from more damage.