At Hampton Dental Associates, patients benefit from a four-generation legacy of compassionate, high-quality dentistry, rooted in traditional family values yet elevated by advanced, progressive techniques, ensuring you receive exceptional care tailored to your long-term oral health.
Root Canal: Saving Your Natural Tooth
A root canal is typically the right choice when the structure of your tooth can still be preserved. During the procedure, Dr. Richard Winter removes the infected pulp, cleans the root canals, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. A crown is placed after to strengthen the tooth.
The main advantage of a root canal is that it preserves your natural tooth, which is almost always better for long-term oral health. Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain your bite alignment, prevents jawbone loss, and allows you to chew comfortably. Recovery is also usually quicker and less invasive than extraction, with most patients returning to normal activities within a day.
Tooth Extraction: When Removal Is the Best Choice
A tooth extraction may be necessary when a tooth is too damaged to repair, such as when decay is extensive, the tooth is cracked below the gumline, or there’s not enough structure left to support a crown. Extraction is sometimes the simplest and most cost-effective solution upfront.
However, losing a tooth can create long-term challenges. Without replacement, the surrounding teeth may shift, your bite can change, and bone loss may occur in the space. To avoid these issues, many patients choose a dental implant, bridge, or denture following extraction, which increases overall cost and treatment time. If the tooth requires removal and you want a dental implant, Dr. Winter will discuss socket grafting to preserve the bone for a future or immediate dental implant. Keeping the bone is key to implant success!
See if You Need a Root Canal or Extraction in Milwaukee, WI
A root canal is generally the better option when the tooth can be saved. Extraction may be necessary when the tooth cannot be restored. Dr. Winter will evaluate the condition of the tooth, your symptoms, and your long-term goals before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, a consultation can provide clarity and a personalized plan to protect your smile. Call us today at 414-464-9021 to schedule an appointment and protect your smile’s health.
