Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?

Is a damaged or infected tooth causing you pain and discomfort? Dental pain usually gets worse without treatment, so don’t wait to contact an emergency dentist. Depending on your unique situation, your dentist may recommend extraction or a root canal. These procedures may sound intimidating, but they help relieve pain for thousands of patients each year. Which option is right for you? Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of root canals vs tooth extractions.

What Happens During Root Canals vs Extraction?

During a root canal, a dentist makes a small hole in the top of a tooth and removes the damaged or infected inner pulp. Next, the dentist cleans the inside of the tooth before filling the space with a biocompatible material and sealing the hole. Afterward, a permanent crown is typically placed on top of the tooth to protect it.  

Removing a tooth is a less extensive procedure compared to root canal therapy. A dentist can often extract a tooth by grasping it with a special metal clasping tool and gently shifting back and forth. For more complex cases, a dentist may need to drill into or break the tooth into smaller sections and remove them one by one.  

What Are the Pros and Cons of Tooth Extraction?

Extracting a damaged or infected tooth can relieve pain and prevent an infection from spreading. The procedure is usually straightforward and does not require a lot of time spent at the dentist’s office. In addition, tooth extractions typically cost less than root canal therapy.

However, a major downside of tooth removal is that it creates a gap in your mouth. Missing even just one tooth can make it more difficult to talk or chew and can also lead to bite problems. For these reasons, many dentists recommend replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Implants are an excellent restorative solution, but of course, they will add to your overall dental care costs.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Root Canal Therapy?

Unlike dental extractions, root canal therapy is designed to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. This helps protect your overall health and your smile alignment. In addition, by saving your natural tooth, you will not have to pay for a bridge or dental implant to fill a gap in your smile.

On the other hand, root canals are not right for everyone. If your tooth is too damaged or decayed, it may be too late to save it through root canal therapy. In addition, root canals often cost more than a simple extraction.  

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

The answer to this question will depend in large part on your unique circumstance. However, when it comes to root canals vs tooth extractions, dentists will often recommend root canal therapy. Root canals are designed to save natural teeth and actually prevent the need for an extraction. If you choose to go the extraction route, you will need to replace your missing tooth or risk oral health complications.  

To find out for sure which route is the best way to relieve your dental pain, talk to your dentist today!

About the Author

After proudly serving in the United States Navy, Dr. Darrick Castleberry now serves his Houston neighbors by providing outstanding dental care. He regularly makes patients’ dental pain disappear by performing root canal therapy at his private practice. To learn more about the benefits of getting a root canal, visit The Castleberry Center website or call 281-320-9600.