Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: three minutes.
When faced with a decayed tooth, infected pulp, or severe pain, you may wonder: Should I get a root canal or tooth extraction?
Understanding both procedures will help you make an informed decision for your long-term oral health.
At Clearwater Dentistry, we always prioritize saving your natural tooth whenever possible. Tooth extraction is only considered when a root canal treatment is not a viable option.
We offer root canal therapy and tooth extractions at our dental office in Greeley, CO.
Table of Contents
- Root Canal vs. Extraction: What’s the Difference?
- When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
- Take The Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
- FAQs
Key Takeaway
You may need a root canal if your tooth is infected but still has enough structure to be saved.
Your tooth might need to be extracted if it is too damaged, severely decayed, or causing issues like overcrowding or infection that cannot be resolved with a root canal.
Root Canal vs. Extraction: What’s the Difference?
A root canal procedure is an endodontic treatment that removes infected tissue from inside your tooth while preserving the natural tooth structure.
The major advantage of root canal therapy is that it maintains the integrity of your jaw structure, prevents bone loss, and eliminates the need for tooth replacement options like dental implants or bridges.
In some cases, a dental crown or bridge may need to be placed on the tooth. This will depend on the extent of damage to the tooth.
Learn more about prevention tips: 5 Proven Ways to Prevent a Root Canal
When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
Sometimes, saving a tooth isn’t possible. If a tooth is severely decayed, infected, or damaged beyond repair, extraction may be the best solution to protect your overall oral health.
Although removing a tooth can relieve pain and prevent further issues, it’s important to consider the long-term effects. If you don’t replace the tooth, neighboring teeth may shift into the empty space, which can lead to bite problems, jawbone loss, and future dental complications.
If you are not able to replace your tooth with a dental implant right away, your dentist may recommend a bone grafting procedure called ‘socket preservation.’ This procedure involves placing bone grafting material into the empty tooth socket to prevent jawbone deterioration.
Socket preservation helps maintain the bone structure and allows you to delay implant placement without compromising the foundation needed for future treatment.
Root Canal vs. Extraction: Key Considerations
| Factor | Root Canal | Tooth Extraction |
| Extent of Damage | Saves the tooth if the structure is still strong. | Necessary if the tooth is too damaged to repair. |
| Recovery | Tooth may be sensitive for up to 2 weeks, may need to return for a second visit to have a dental crown or bridge placed. | Usually takes 1 week to recover. May require a secondary procedure called socket preservation if the tooth is not replaced right away. |
| Cost Considerations | Initial cost may be higher than a simple tooth extraction, but saving the tooth is more cost-effective in the long run. | Upfront costs may be lower, but costs are higher in the long run when you consider the cost of tooth replacements like a dental implant or dental bridge. |
This table highlights the key differences between a root canal and a tooth extraction. While a root canal preserves the natural tooth and can be more cost-effective long term, an extraction has a lower upfront cost but may lead to higher expenses if tooth replacement is needed.
Take The Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile
Choosing between a root canal and a tooth extraction depends on several factors, including the extent of damage, long-term costs, and your personal oral health goals.
A consultation with an experienced dentist can help you make the right choice for your smile. If you are searching for a trusted dentist in Greeley, CO, Dr. Alan Baughman is here to provide expert guidance and personalized care.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
FAQs
If your natural tooth can be saved, a root canal treatment is the better option. Extraction is only recommended when the tooth infection is too severe to treat. However, every situation is unique and your dentist will provide the best advice for your specific case.
Modern dental treatments make both procedures comfortable. However, wisdom teeth removal is often more invasive, leading to longer recovery times and potential post-operative pain.
Not necessarily. If the previous root canal therapy failed, endodontic retreatment or apicoectomy (surgical removal of the root tip) can often resolve the issue and prevent potential complications.
