If you have a severe tooth decay or damage or a tooth with an infection, there are only two treatments that your dentist may recommend— either a root canal or tooth extraction. Usually, when the tooth can no longer be saved by dental fillings, these are your only options. But, how do you know which is best for your case?
In a nutshell, if the tooth is still savable, it is always best to choose a root canal as it can preserve the tooth. However, if the cons outweigh the pros when deciding about keeping an infected tooth, an extraction is a better option.
Several factors go into the decision making on whether to get a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction. This read will help you understand the differences between the two so you can make an informed decision about your smile and oral health.
What is the difference between a Root Canal and Tooth Extraction?
A root canal and a tooth extraction are two very different procedures. Root canal treatment is an endodontic therapy that involves cleaning and disinfecting an infected tooth to remove existing bacteria. Then, it is prepared to receive a filling or a dental crown to improve its appearance and enhance its durability.
The main goal of a root canal is to save your tooth.
Meanwhile, a tooth extraction is to completely remove the tooth out of the socket. This is the last resort of treatment as your dentist will always try to save the natural tooth. After removing the tooth, your dentist will discuss tooth replacement options such as dental bridge, dentures, or an implant to prevent the consequences of missing tooth.
Root Canal and Tooth Extraction — Comparative Analysis
While both procedures may be recommended for an infected tooth, certain differences set each of them apart. These factors can help you decide which is better for you.
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Procedure Complexity
Root canal procedure involves a more meticulous treatment. It uses files and canal sealers that go into the tooth to clean the root canals and restore it to good health. A tooth extraction may be a simpler procedure, but it still depends on the anatomy of your tooth.
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Pain and Discomfort during Treatment
Contrary to what many believe, a root canal is not painful. Many patients feel little to no pain. For both procedures, local anaesthesia is used to improve the treatment experience.
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Recovery Time
Expect lesser recovery time for a root canal compared to a tooth extraction. Most patients are able to return to their usual routine immediately after getting a root canal done. However, at least 24 hours rest is recommended for a tooth extraction.
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Post-treatment Maintenance
A root canal is “one and done”. After the treatment, continue with your usual hygiene routine for better long-term success. But if you get a tooth extracted, consider getting a replacement as soon as possible to prevent the consequences of a missing tooth.
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Long-term Oral Health Implications
A root canal is treated like a natural tooth, so you can expect less problems to your oral health compared to a tooth extraction— especially if the extracted tooth is not replaced. Some dental health problems you may face if the tooth is not replaced are shifting of teeth, bite irregularities, loss of facial tone, and difficulty in speaking and chewing.
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Cost Comparison
When talking about the treatment itself, a tooth extraction is more affordable than a root canal. But, because a root canal keeps the natural tooth in place, it eliminates the need for a future tooth replacement. This makes it a more cost-effective procedure in the long run.
Pros and Cons of Root Canal and Tooth Extraction
As with all dental procedures, both root canal and tooth extraction has their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to your dental health:
Root Canal Pros
- Preserves the natural tooth
- Prevents consequences of missing tooth
Root Canal Cons
- Multiple dental visits may be required
- Weakens and discolours the tooth, so a dental crown may be recommended
- More expensive upfront
Tooth Extraction Pros
- Straightforward procedure
- Completely eliminates infection
Tooth Extraction Cons
- Requires a future tooth replacement
- Causes bone loss
Considerations When Choosing Between Root Canal and Tooth Extraction
Some important factors to consider in deciding between a root canal or a tooth extraction are the following:
- Age and Overall Health
These factors require careful consideration. Older patients may be contraindicated if they have certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, or blood clotting diseases present, or if they take specific medications that may make extraction complicated.
- Specific Dental Conditions
Gum and periodontal disease are serious dental problems that may compromise the results of a root canal. This must be treated to ensure the success of the treatment. Otherwise, an extraction may be a better option.
- Personal Comfort and Anxiety Levels
Some patients may find root canal to be a bit more tolerable because of the pain they expect with getting a tooth pulled out. Meanwhile, others may lean into getting a tooth extraction just to avoid possible multiple dental visits that may contribute to their dental anxiety.
- Financial Considerations
Upfront, a tooth extraction may be cheaper than getting a root canal done. Sometimes, dental insurance companies may also cover the expenses of an extraction. But, this still depends on your specific policy.
Conclusion
In most cases, root canal therapy is a better choice than a tooth extraction. But, there are exceptions to this. And if a root canal is no longer possible nor recommended due to certain patient constraints, then a tooth extraction offers an alternative.
At Arbutus Station Dental, our experienced team will carefully diagnose your case and understand your goals and expectations so we can create the best treatment recommendation. If you want to learn more about these procedures, call us today so we can schedule you for an appointment!