Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which One is Best?

Dealing with increasing tooth pain can make day-to-day life challenging. Eating certain foods and attempting to clean your pearly whites may not be what you look forward to but instead leave you looking for help. When meeting with your dentist, they may suggest a root canal, but could extraction be a better choice? Read on to learn the pros and cons of both treatments and why saving your natural tooth is likely to be the best option.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Root Canals & Tooth Extractions?

Before meeting with your dentist to discuss your uncomfortable tooth, you may think the easiest way to handle the problem is to have it removed. After all, if it’s no longer present, it can’t continue to cause pain, right?

Unfortunately, this is not always true. There are actually reasons why it’s best to save the tooth with a root canal but to better understand each method of treatment, here are some of their pros and cons:

Pros

• A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth.
• A root canal only takes 1-1 ½ hours to complete; tooth extractions can take up to 45 minutes per tooth.
• A root canal and tooth extraction are partially covered with dental insurance.
• A root canal allows you to maintain your natural bite power and chewing ability.

Cons

• Root canals do require that you have a custom dental crown crafted so that it can properly protect the vulnerable tooth. Tooth extractions also require additional restorations because of the necessity to replace a missing tooth (unless it is a wisdom tooth).
• Root canals may be more expensive than tooth extraction.
• There is the potential for a dry socket after having a tooth removed.
• Tooth extraction can create problems for your aesthetics if the area is not filled right away.

What Makes Root Canals Better?

You can expect that your dentist will never suggest extraction unless it is absolutely necessary. The reason is that it is always better to try and save the natural tooth if possible. Not only can you enjoy a stronger bite and natural chewing power with your original smile, but you’ll avoid any potential bone loss that can be the result of a missing tooth.

Root canals often get a bad reputation because of myths surrounding the procedure and the “pain it causes,” but the reality is that they help to remove the source of the discomfort – the infection. Once it is removed, you will no longer experience the pain that previously existed. You will be sore for a few days after surgery, but this will dissipate quickly, leaving you with a healthier, pain-free, and fully intact smile.

About the Author
Dr. Dhiren Ahir is a trusted dentist in Denton who leads the team at Prime Dentistry. Offer root canal therapy and tooth extractions to individuals with painful, damaged, and decayed teeth, he will closely evaluate each case before determining which method of treatment is best for a person’s overall health and well-being. If you have a tooth that is causing you problems, contact us via our website or by calling (940) 514-0333.