When you have excessive dental decay or a fractured tooth, your dentist will likely recommend root canal therapy or a tooth filling. Both procedures are incredibly common and treat similar issues, but they differ in terms of severity. The guide below explains the key differences between a filling and a root canal.

Filling

A filling is a tooth-colored composite resin that fills in the formerly decayed part of your tooth. Your dentist first examines your mouth to ensure the cavity hasn’t damaged the root of the tooth. From there, they clean out the decay, leave a hole or crack, and fill it in to avoid dental complications in the future.

Root Canal

Root canal therapy is reserved for severely decayed teeth, which often result from ignored cavities or cracks. When the decay reaches the root of a tooth and causes an infection, the dentist removes the damaged pieces. This takes away the pain and clears all signs of infection. Then, a dental crown restores tooth functionality.

How to Tell Which You Need

If you have a small cavity that requires a tooth filling, you might feel a sharp pain when you bite down, see a visible dark spot or hole in your tooth, and experience hot or cold sensitivity. Also, if food gets stuck in your teeth every time you eat, or floss appears to tear on a specific tooth, you may have a minor crack that requires a filling.

You need a root canal if you notice severe pain from any pressure put on the tooth, a small bump on your gum near the painful tooth, or extreme discoloration that gives the tooth a black or brown appearance. If your gums are tender or swollen near the infected tooth, or the tooth remains painful long after extreme temperature exposure, you may need a root canal.

 

If you think you need a filling or root canal therapy, contact Kemper Pond Dental in Cincinnati, OH. This experienced dental team has provided friendly and reliable family dentistry to people of all ages for over 20 years. Offering everything from general cleanings and tooth extractions to veneers and dental implants, they provide a supportive environment to help you feel relaxed and cared for every step of the way. Call (513) 531-4069 to ask about an appointment, and visit them online to view their full list of services.