Tooth Decay Treatment: Filling vs. Root Canal

Dental work is sometimes necessary for keeping your teeth healthy. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between a root canal and cavity filling. A cavity filling is a procedure in which the decay in your tooth is removed and then filled with a material like composite resin. A root canal, on the other hand, is a procedure used to treat an infection in the tooth pulp. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, read on to learn how Stonebrook Family Dental can help you.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole that forms in your tooth as a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that produce acids that eat away at the enamel of your teeth. If left untreated, a cavity can progress and cause infection in the tooth pulp.

Signs of a Cavity

Tooth decay on the outer enamel surface doesn’t usually cause pain or symptoms. You’re more likely to experience symptoms as decay progresses into the dentin and root. Cleveland Clinic lists the common signs of cavities to include:

• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
• Bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease.
• Facial swelling.
• Toothache or mouth pain.
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks.
• Redness around or inside the mouth.

Causes of Tooth Decay

Mayo Clinic explains that tooth decay can be caused by:

• Plaque forms. Dental plaque is a clear sticky film that coats your teeth. It’s due to eating a lot of sugars and starches and not cleaning your teeth well. When sugars and starches aren’t cleaned off your teeth, bacteria quickly begin feeding on them and form plaque. Plaque that stays on your teeth can harden under or above your gum line into tartar (calculus). Tartar makes plaque more difficult to remove and creates a shield for bacteria.
• Plaque attacks. The acids in plaque remove minerals in your tooth’s hard, outer enamel. This erosion causes tiny openings or holes in the enamel — the first stage of cavities. Once areas of enamel are worn away, the bacteria and acid can reach the next layer of your teeth, called dentin. This layer is softer than enamel and less resistant to acid. Dentin has tiny tubes that directly communicate with the nerve of the tooth causing sensitivity.
• Destruction continues. As tooth decay develops, the bacteria and acid continue their march through your teeth, moving next to the inner tooth material (pulp) that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes swollen and irritated from the bacteria. Because there is no place for the swelling to expand inside of a tooth, the nerve becomes pressed, causing pain. Discomfort can even extend outside of the tooth root to the bone.

What is a Cavity Filling?

A cavity filling is a procedure in which the decay in your tooth is removed and then filled with a material like composite resin. This procedure can help to prevent further damage to your teeth and also relieve any pain or sensitivity you may be experiencing.

A cavity filling treatment is a simple appointment that includes  removing the decay and filling the hole with a composite resin. The entire process typically takes around 30 minutes to complete.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure used to treat an infection in the tooth pulp. The tooth pulp is the soft tissue in the center of your tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. An infection in the tooth pulp can cause pain, swelling, and even loss of teeth.  A root canal can help to clear the infection and prevent further damage to the tooth.

An appointment for a root canal includes x-rays of the tooth to be treated. This will help your dentist to see the condition of the tooth pulp and determine if a root canal is necessary. Once decided a root canal is the best treatment option, the procedure typically takes 1-2 hours to complete. It begins by removing the infected pulp and then cleaning and shaping the inside of the tooth. The last step is to seal the tooth with a dental crown.

When You Need a Filling vs. Root Canal?

If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, it is important to visit Dr. Kevin Varley here at Stonebrook Family Dental. We can help you determine whether you need a cavity filling or a root canal. If you have a cavity, we can remove the decay and fill the hole with composite resin. If you have an infection in your tooth pulp, we may need to perform a root canal to clear the infection and save the tooth.

How Can Stonebrook Family Dental Help?

If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, it is important to seek treatment from a dental professional. At Stonebrook Family Dental, we offer a variety of services that can help to treat tooth decay and infection. We offer cavity fillings, root canals, and other dental procedures to help you get relief from your pain and maintain healthy teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.