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Nothing is more annoying than a toothache that reminds you every second that you are not feeling good, you cannot enjoy your meals, and sometimes keeps you up all night, you are not able to fall asleep, nap, or get a break from this pain.
I know how overwhelming it is for me and maybe for many of you to book an appointment with your dentist and undergo some procedure.
However, tooth pain doesn’t disappear by some painkiller or drug, as well as leaving it without proper treatment is not a smart decision to make, because it can really lead to serious side effects that you don’t need.
One of the oral issues you can’t run from are cavities, dental decay, cracks, and grindings, but the good news is that they don’t need a serious procedure, just two visits to your dentist and you are good to go and enjoy your favorite meal!
When visiting your dentist for this specific tooth issue, there are two options, root canal, and tooth filling, and both of them are good for these kinds of issues, but of course, there is a slight difference, and it depends on how severe your condition and damaged your tooth is.
So what is the difference between a root canal and teeth filling and which one is better for you?
Let’s find out together.
Root Canal
Your pulp is made of blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue, and other tissues that help your teeth stay healthy.
Root canal procedure or endodontic therapy is performed when your tooth is infected severely by the bacteria that enter your tooth pulp through cavities or any leaky fillings. This bacteria causes inflammation that leads to pain and other oral issues.
Your doctor will choose this treatment when the condition is severe and teeth fillings alone are not a good option, but once you undergo this therapy, you need a white filling or crown to strengthen and save your natural tooth.
This therapy needs one or two visits to the dentist and one point for this treatment is that it lasts for a lifetime!
Symptoms:
When you need a root canal you will probably see swelling around the infected area. Your tooth is going to be cracked or chipped and has a discolored appearance, and obviously, you will feel severe pain especially when you chew.
Teeth Filling
Bacteria living in your mouth cause tooth grinding, cracks, and cavities. These cavities need to undergo teeth filling procedure to clean the tooth from bacteria and save the tooth.
Symptoms:
When you need a tooth filling, you will feel less pain and your symptoms are less severe than when you need a root canal.
You will probably feel pain while chewing or biting and you will be sensitive to the food or drinks temperature whether it is cold or hot, add to that, you will notice a dark hole on the infected tooth.
A tooth filling is recommended when the fractured tooth or dental decay is minor, i.e the infection is not deep to the root.
Before teeth filling, you need to undergo a root canal procedure to clean the inside of your tooth and remove all the bacteria, infection, dead tissues, and inflammation.
Teeth Fillings Types
Gold Filling
Gold fillings are custom made for each tooth and patient and need at least two visits.
Pros
- Lasts for 15 – 20 years
- Durable
- No-corrode
- Strong
Cons
- Expensive
- Not aesthetic
Ceramic Filling
A ceramic filling is made of porcelain, and some know this one as porcelain filling. This filling is custom-made.
Pros
- Lasts 15 years
- Cheaper than gold
- Aesthetic
- Resistant to staining
Cons
- Expensive
Silver Filling
Pros
- Lasts for 10 – 15 years
- Durable
- Strong
- Resistant to wear
- Not expensive
Cons
- Not aesthetic
- Discoloration to the other teeth
Composite Filling
A composite filling is a combination of resin and silica and is colored like your tooth tone so you will have a natural end.
Pros
- Aesthetic
- Bonds well to the tooth structure
- Flexible
in
Cons
- Less durable
- Lasts only 5 years
- Needs more visits to the doctor
- Expensive
Ionomer Filling
An ionomer lasts for 5 years, is used for milk teeth or any other temporary fillings, and it is tooth-colored.
So, basically, tooth filling is applied when you have minor damage, while a root canal procedure is performed when the damage is deep to the roots.
Whatever you are suffering from, and whatever your symptoms are, you can not decide by yourself what kind of dental issue you have, a dental consultant is a must, so call your dental clinic now, don’t let anything stand in front of your comfort and smile!
Author: Dr.Nabil Mockbil from Swedish Dental Clinic in Dubai Marina
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