Root Canal vs. Extraction: Which Treatment is Right for You?

When a tooth’s nerve becomes too damaged or infected, two of the most common treatment options are root canal therapy and tooth extraction.

Both procedures are performed to alleviate pain, prevent the spread of infection, and fix the damage. Still, the choice between them will depend on different factors such as the severity of damage and the patient’s dental health.

Understanding the differences between root canal vs extraction is crucial for making an informed decision about the best way to treat the damaged tooth.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal or root canal therapy involves the removal of the infected pulp (which is the tissue in the innermost part of a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue). It is often seen as an alternative to tooth extraction, as it allows the tooth to be saved rather than removed.

First, the dentist will numb the area around the infected tooth to ensure the patient is comfortable. Then, a small opening is made to access the damaged pulp.

With the help of special tools, the pulp will be removed, and the pulp chamber will be cleaned to remove any remnants.

After cleaning it, the dentist will fill the tooth with a biocompatible material and seal it for protection. In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength and function.

Recovery After Root Canal

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the root canal recovery time takes less than a week. The dentist will recommend eating soft foods the first few days after the procedure, avoiding chewing on the treated tooth, avoiding smoking, and keeping a good oral hygiene routine.

When Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?

Root canal therapy is done when the pulp of the tooth is inflamed and infected, but the structure of the tooth is still strong enough to be preserved and not perform an extraction.

Infection can result from different causes such as deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or a fractured tooth.

If the infection is left untreated it can cause pain, lead to an abscess, and long-term health issues.

Some of the signs that might mean you need a root canal include:

• Severe pain when biting.

• A chipped or cracked tooth.

• Sensitivity to hot or cold.

• Swollen or tender gums.

• Deep decay

Many may wonder “Is a root canal better than an extraction?”. The simple answer is yes; a root canal is less invasive and helps preserve the tooth. However, if the tooth is extremely damaged beyond repair, the best option will be an extraction.

Advantages of a Root Canal

Some benefits of root canal over extraction are:

• Preserve the natural tooth, prolonging its life.

• Less invasive treatment.

• Shorter recovery time.

• Prevents further infection.

• Less expensive in the long term.

Disadvantages of a Root Canal

• It might weaken the tooth.

• If there’s too extensive damage, the root canal might not be enough.

• After a root canal treatment, it's recommended to place a crown due to this the cost will increase.

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What Is an Extraction and When It’s Recommended?

Dental extraction refers to removing an entire tooth from its socket. This procedure is recommended when other restorative treatments aren’t enough and the tooth is too damaged.

Severe decay, a fractured or impacted tooth, severe gum disease, and dental injuries are also reasons why an extraction might be recommended.

Some situations where extraction may be the only option are:

Severe Damage

If the tooth is extensively cracked, fractures, or has a large cavity that has damaged the structure beyond repair, extraction becomes necessary.

Deep Infection

When a tooth is severely infected and the infection has spread too far for a root canal to be effective, extraction may be required to prevent the infection from spreading further.

Constant or severe pain in gums or jaw, bad breath that won’t go away, and bleeding and swelling are also some signs that might mean an extraction is needed.

Recovery After an Extraction

Recovery will depend on the complexity of the procedure. Usually, patients feel better after a few days and can return to their normal activities within 48 to 72 hours. However, the jawbone takes several weeks to heal completely from the extraction.

Dentists will recommend keeping the extraction site clean, taking the indicated medication, and avoiding demanding activity for at least two days.\

When Is Tooth Extraction the Better Option Than a Root Canal?

When choosing between a root canal or extraction, the priority is often to save the tooth and maintain functionality, but in some cases, this may not be possible, as it all depends on the state of the affected tooth.

Advantages of Extraction

Tooth extraction offers some benefits such as:

• Removes harmful bacteria that can affect surrounding teeth and gums.

• Prevents further oral health issues.

• The procedures can provide a fast relief from dental pain, especially if the tooth is severely broken or infected.

• Prevents infection from spreading to other parts of the mouth or body.

Risks of a Extraction

Like every procedure, there can be some risks when getting a tooth extracted, such as:

• Post-surgical infection.

• Dry socket.

• Nerve injury.

• Delayed healing.

Costs

In comparing costs of tooth extraction vs root canal many factors come into play.

Cost of Root Canal

The cost of a root canal in the United States can go between 300 USD to 2,000 USD, depending on the location of the affected tooth, for example, a root canal on a front tooth can range from 600 USD to 900 USD. 

In Mexico, the cost of the procedure can range from 200 USD to 600 USD.

Cost of a Tooth Extraction

Commonly, in the United States, a simple extraction can cost between 75 USD and 200 USD. In Mexico, this procedure can cost around 40 USD and 180 USD.

While the cost of extraction can seem more affordable, the long-term financial implications of removing a tooth can add up, as replacing the missing tooth or managing the oral health issues that come with the extraction becomes necessary.

Tooth replacement options can include dental implants, dentures, or a dental bridge, each with its own associated costs.

Which One Is Better?

When comparing these procedures, their advantages, process, and the cost of root canal vs extraction, it’s very important to consider both short and long-term outcomes.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the condition of the tooth and long-term dental health goals.