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What is the Difference Between Root Canal and Tooth Decay?

Published in Dental Health 3 mins read

Tooth decay is the process of damage to a tooth, while a root canal is a treatment procedure performed because of severe tooth decay or infection.

Here's a breakdown:

Tooth Decay (Cavities)

  • What it is: Tooth decay, also known as cavities or dental caries, is the breakdown of tooth enamel.
  • Cause: Primarily caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acids from sugars and carbohydrates.
  • Progression:
    • Starts with enamel erosion.
    • Progresses to dentin (the layer beneath enamel).
    • Eventually can reach the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels).
  • Symptoms:
    • Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold.
    • Pain when eating or drinking something sweet.
    • Visible pits or holes in the teeth.
    • Toothache.
  • Treatment:
    • Early stages: Fluoride treatments.
    • More advanced stages: Fillings (removing the decayed portion and filling the space).
    • Severe decay: Root canal or extraction.

Root Canal

  • What it is: A dental procedure to treat infection or severe decay that has reached the pulp of the tooth.
  • Why it's needed: When decay reaches the pulp, bacteria can infect the nerves and blood vessels, causing pain, inflammation, and potentially an abscess.
  • Procedure:
    1. The dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp.
    2. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected.
    3. The space is filled and sealed.
    4. A crown is often placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its function.
  • Purpose: To save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. It eliminates infection and relieves pain.

Key Differences Summarized

Feature Tooth Decay Root Canal
What it is The process of tooth damage. A treatment to save a tooth with infected or severely decayed pulp.
Cause Bacteria producing acid from sugars. Infection or severe decay reaching the pulp.
Action A destructive process. A restorative procedure.
Treatment Goal To stop the decay and restore the tooth with a filling. To remove infection, relieve pain, and save the tooth.
Severity Can range from minor enamel erosion to deep pulp involvement. Indicates advanced decay or infection.

In short, tooth decay is the problem, while a root canal is often the solution when that problem has progressed to a severe stage affecting the tooth's pulp.

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