Endodontic care · Hinckley
Can your natural tooth be saved?
The best choice is not always the quickest-looking one. A useful assessment weighs up how the tooth functions today and how it may hold up over time.
What makes a tooth restorable?
Healthy tooth structure above the gum, a sound root, supportive surrounding bone and an achievable restoration are all important. A crack running down a root, extensive decay or serious gum problems may limit treatment options.
The role of root canal treatment
If the tooth is restorable but its pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected, a root canal may allow it to be retained. If a previous root filling has developed a problem, retreatment or, less commonly, root-end surgery may be considered.
When extraction may be more appropriate
Not every tooth has a favourable long-term outlook. Removing a tooth may be preferable if the remaining structure cannot support a restoration or the root is damaged in a way that cannot be managed predictably.
Look beyond the immediate appointment
Ask about the likely final restoration, the number of visits, ongoing maintenance and what would be involved if the tooth had to be replaced. Cost, comfort and your priorities all matter.
Our root canal or extraction guide offers a practical framework for discussing the choice with your dentist.