Cavities and root canals are two phrases that often cause confusion, but they’re not the same thing. While both involve dental problems, they represent different stages of tooth decay and require different treatments.
Knowing the distinction between cavities and root canals helps you make informed decisions about your oral health. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing more serious issues down the road.
This guide will break down the differences between cavities and root canals — including what causes them, how they’re treated, and how to prevent them in the first place. We’ll also touch on the cost differences between the two procedures.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a tiny hole or area of decay in your tooth enamel. Your dentist might also call it tooth decay.
Cavities form when plaque and bacteria collect in your mouth. Plaque, a sticky film, is made up of food particles and saliva. The bacteria in plaque create acids that eat away at the hard enamel that protects your teeth.
Cavities usually start in the enamel, but they can move deeper into the dentin and pulp if you don’t treat them. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infection, and they can eventually lead to tooth loss.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure used to fix teeth with infected or damaged pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue inside your teeth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
Pulp can get damaged for several reasons:
- Deep cavities that reach the pulp
- Cracks or chips in the tooth
- Having multiple dental procedures performed on the same tooth
During a root canal, a dentist or endodontist removes the infected or damaged pulp, cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. After a root canal, dentists often place a crown on the tooth to protect it.
Cavity vs. Root Canal: Key Differences
Cavities and root canals both involve your teeth, but they’re very different problems that require very different solutions. Here’s a look at some of the key differences between the two:
Nature of the Problem
A cavity is a surface-level problem in which the enamel has been damaged. A root canal, on the other hand, is needed when the tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) has become infected.
Pain and Discomfort
With a cavity, you may have mild pain or sensitivity, especially when you eat or drink something sweet, hot, or cold. An infected root canal, however, is usually associated with intense, constant pain, swelling, and sensitivity to pressure.
Treatment Procedure
To treat a cavity, the dentist will clean out the decayed area and fill it with a material like composite or amalgam. A root canal requires removing the infected pulp, cleaning, shaping, and sealing the tooth. Often, a crown is placed on the tooth afterward.
Cost of Treatment
Because it’s less involved, cavity treatment is generally less expensive than a root canal. Root canals are more complex and require more time and expertise, leading to higher costs. The cost of a root canal can range from $1,500 to $1,900 per tooth.
Recovery Time
Recovery from a cavity filling is quick, with minimal discomfort. Root canal recovery can take several days, and you may have some soreness and sensitivity during that time.
Long-Term Outlook
If you treat a cavity early and maintain good oral hygiene, you can expect a good long-term outcome. Root canals can save a tooth, but the tooth may become brittle over time and require ongoing care to prevent future problems.
Root Canal vs Filling: Which Procedure Do I Need?
So, how do you know which procedure you need? Here’s a rundown of the symptoms associated with each condition. Keep in mind that without a dental exam, it can be tough to know for sure.
Symptoms that may indicate a root canal
- Severe toothache, especially when you’re chewing or applying pressure to the area
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding the tooth
Symptoms that may indicate a filling
- Toothache or sensitivity when chewing
- Sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks
- Visible pits or holes in the tooth
- A rough spot you can feel when you run your tongue over the tooth
Shared Symptoms
Because both conditions can cause pain and sensitivity, it can be hard to know exactly what’s going on without an exam from your dentist.
What’s the cost difference?
The money you’ll spend to treat a cavity versus what you’ll spend for a root canal can be significant.
Cost of root canals
Root canals vary in cost depending on which tooth is being worked on, and how complex the case is. In general, expect to pay somewhere in the range of $1,500 to $1,900 per tooth. Molars, which have multiple roots, are typically the most expensive to treat.
Cost of fillings
Fillings are less expensive than root canals, but the final price depends on the filling material you choose.
- Amalgam fillings (made of metal alloys) are the least expensive, ranging from about $50 to $150.
- Composite fillings (made of plastic and glass) usually cost between $250 and $400.
- Gold and porcelain fillings are the most expensive, ranging from $900 to as much as $4,500.
How to avoid needing a root canal
Good oral hygiene is key. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss every day to get rid of plaque and food particles.
See your dentist for regular checkups. They can catch cavities and other dental problems early, before they require a root canal.
It also helps to watch what you eat. Try to limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks. These can erode your enamel and leave you vulnerable to cavities.
Putting It All Together
Cavities and root canals both involve tooth decay, but they’re not the same thing. A cavity is decay on the surface of your tooth, while a root canal is a procedure to treat an infection deep inside the tooth.
The best way to avoid needing a root canal is to prevent cavities in the first place. You can do that by seeing your dentist regularly and following good oral hygiene practices at home.
If you’re concerned about a possible cavity or tooth pain, see your dentist for an exam. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the right treatment for you.