Dental problems are one of the most common health issues experienced by people of all ages. Two of the most common dental problems are cavities and root canals. While they are both related to the teeth, they are different in terms of causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Cavity: A cavity is a small hole in the tooth caused by decay. It occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the surface of the tooth and begins to erode the enamel. If left untreated, the decay can progress deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp and causing severe pain and infection. Common symptoms of a cavity include tooth sensitivity, pain when biting or chewing, and visible holes or pits in the tooth.
Treatment for a cavity involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the cavity with a filling material such as composite resin or amalgam. The goal of treatment is to stop the decay from spreading and to restore the tooth’s function and appearance.
Root Canal: A root canal is a dental procedure that is performed when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This can occur due to deep decay, trauma to the tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. Common symptoms of an infected pulp include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and swelling of the gums.
During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp and cleans and disinfects the root canals of the tooth. The dentist then fills the canals with a special material and seals the tooth with a filling or crown. The goal of the treatment is to save the tooth and prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.
Differences:
- A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by decay, while a root canal is a dental procedure performed to treat an infected or inflamed pulp.
- A cavity can be treated with a filling, while a root canal involves removing the infected pulp and filling the root canals with a special material.
- The symptoms of a cavity include tooth sensitivity, pain when biting or chewing, and visible holes or pits in the tooth, while the symptoms of an infected pulp include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and swelling of the gums.
- A cavity is typically less severe than an infected pulp, but both conditions can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.