Dental Filling vs Root Canal Treatment What’s the Difference?

Many patients get confused between a dental filling and a root canal treatment (RCT). Both are common procedures, but they are done in different situations depending on how much the tooth is damaged.

What is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is needed when the tooth has a small to moderate cavity. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and then fills it with a material such as composite resin, silver amalgam, or ceramic. This stops further decay and restores the tooth’s function and appearance.
It is a quick procedure, usually completed in one sitting, and causes little to no discomfort since it may only require minimal anesthesia.

What is a Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?

A root canal is required when the decay or infection reaches the pulp of the tooth, which contains the nerves and blood vessels. In such cases, a simple filling will not work. During RCT, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the root canals thoroughly, and seals them. To strengthen the tooth, a crown is usually placed on top after the treatment.
RCT generally requires two to three sittings, and while it may sound painful, it is done under local anesthesia, making it quite comfortable for patients.

Key Difference

The main difference is in the severity of the problem. A filling is used when the decay is minor and only affects the outer layers of the tooth. A root canal is necessary when the decay is deeper, causing infection or severe pain.

Conclusion

If detected early, cavities can be treated easily with a filling. But if ignored, the decay can spread deeper and lead to the need for a root canal. Regular dental check-ups help in catching cavities early, preventing pain and more complicated treatments.