Do you have a tooth infection but don’t know which treatment to choose? Dental fillings and root canal treatments benefit patients at different stages of a dental infection. We will compare dental fillings vs. root canal treatment in our Williamsburg, VA office and which patients benefit from each treatment.
Dental Fillings vs. Root Canal Treatment in Williamsburg
Fillings and root canal treatments benefit patients with dental infections. However, we will recommend each treatment based on the needs of the patient. Learn more about what treatment entails and who benefits from these treatments:
Dental Fillings
A dental filling provides a seal for a tooth after we fill a cavity. Cavities are holes or pits in the tooth enamel created by harmful bacteria. Sugar and starches attract harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay. Bacteria feed on sugars and starches, creating digestive acids that break down the enamel and create cavities. We also recommend dental fillings for patients who have extensive tooth damage.
To provide a filling, we first apply an anesthetic for pain-free treatment. Then, we remove any of the decayed structure in and around the tooth cavity. We clean and disinfect the cavity, then fill the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment benefits patients with an infection that reaches the dental pulp. The pulp consists of nerves, cells, and blood vessels that keep teeth alive. Once tooth decay reaches the dental pulp, we will need to remove the pulp to preserve the tooth. If we cannot save the tooth with a root canal, we will need to extract the tooth.
During a root canal, we numb the treated tooth and remove the pulp from within the tooth. Then, we clean and disinfect the tooth chamber. Finally, we fill the tooth with a dental filling.
While root canals utilize dental fillings, a dental filling treatment does not remove the dental pulp within the tooth. We may also strengthen teeth following a root canal with a dental crown. Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that fully cover and protect teeth.
Do you need to treat tooth decay? Preserve your smile with professional dental care today. Schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Stacey Hall on our website or call 757-216-9873. Let us know if you have any questions about your current dental concerns, including tooth infections, and we will be happy to help. We’re here to help you find the right treatment for your specific oral health needs.