When it comes to dental procedures, there are fewer that are more universally disliked than endodontics; more commonly known as the root canal.

With the first root canal performed in 1917, this treatment is only just over 100 years old. During that time, many smiles and teeth have been saved due to it, but it is still rarely on the top of a dental patients treatment list!

Why? Because many myths surround root canals; from them supposedly killing the tooth, to them supposedly causing a higher rate of infection, it is easy to see why so many patients are put off the idea of having one. But with the obvious benefits that will be explored in this article, there are many reasons to reconsider endodontics.

At Dental Rooms, our dentist in Wimbledon has helped multiple patients regain their smiles and their confidence with endodontics, preventing extractions and restoring overall oral health. Painless, simple and with the ability to last a lifetime, there are many reasons to opt for a root canal over an extraction. Simple!

But what exactly makes a root canal superior to an extraction? Our dentist in Wimbledon offers 5 answers to that question below. Enjoy!

Cosmetic

Firstly, a key advantage of having a root canal is that it offers an obvious cosmetic benefit.

As many teeth that require root canals are either damaged or infected, the only other alternative is extraction. This may not seem like a big deal, but if the tooth is at the front of your mouth your smile will be impacted.

Infection control

As mentioned earlier, when our dentist in Wimbledon performs a root canal, it is probably due to an infection in the pulp.

While immensely uncomfortable, such infections can easily spread to other parts of the mouth, creating a more serious problem. If you have a root canal, the infected debris is physically removed from the pulp and the infection is better controlled. But we may need to throw some antibiotics in for good measure too!

Cost

The initial cost of endodontics may seem high and can put many patients off the idea. But when compared to the cost of a full extraction and a fitted bridge, dentures or dental implant fittings to close the gap and restore functionality to your mouth, the price is much more reasonable.

Long-term health

A gap in your mouth can act as a magnet for bacteria and plaque; if you opt for dental extraction over a root canal, then you run a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, tooth decay on the surrounding teeth or jaw shrinkage due to bone recession.

A root canal bypasses all these problems and allows you to maintain the health of both your mouth and your body.

Preservation

And finally, a root canal preserves and restores the previously damaged tooth.

As a crown or filling is applied once the procedure is complete, you will be able to bite into food as you did before, without concern about the tooth being brittle.