Extraction Vs. Root Canal: Which Is Better?

Sometimes, damage to your permanent teeth is inevitable, whether through injury, decay, or general wear and tear. Bite down on a kernel of popcorn that hasn’t popped, and a tooth weakened by previous fillings may crack or break. It’s easy for the unexpected to occur.  

When you visit Allure Dental Care of Maple Lawn, you may be faced with a treatment decision. Tooth extraction or root canal therapy are potential treatments for damaged teeth, depending on the extent and depth of damage. Knowing about each procedure can help you feel comfortable about the decision and the expected results for each treatment.

Root canal – the preferred alternative

Saving a natural tooth is always the preferred alternative when treating damaged teeth. There is an interaction between the root of a tooth and the bone of your jaw. This interaction keeps the bone healthy and secure. Tooth extraction raises the potential for bone deterioration and tooth movement that could lead to further dental issues without intervention.

When the central part of the tooth becomes compromised due to damage or decay, the nerve root and soft tissue at the core of the tooth can potentially become infected. Root canal therapy opens a space in the tooth through which we remove the nerve. The resulting void is cleaned, shaped, and filled before the access opening is sealed.

Though root canals have a reputation for being painful, this is a carryover from times when dental anesthesia was less developed than contemporary techniques. For most patients, a root canal is as painless as a filling, though there may be some discomfort for a day or two after the procedure, which is usually manageable with over the counter pain relief.

Extractions – for advanced compromises

Tooth extractions may sometimes be necessary when certain types of tooth damage occur. For example, a crack in a tooth that extends below the gum line is usually not repairable through root canal treatment. Sometimes, while a root canal is possible, the treated tooth may be weakened enough that, without a porcelain crown placed later, that tooth may not be durable enough to stand up to the rigors of biting and chewing. Extraction may reduce the amount of dental work the tooth requires over time.

The extraction process has a longer recovery time than root canal therapy. Though the same anesthesia techniques assure the procedure itself is as comfortable as possible, you may feel aching pain for several days after the extraction, and the wound itself requires about two weeks to heal fully.

There’s a common misperception that a tooth extraction is cheaper than a root canal, but that may not be the case. Every situation must be evaluated on its merit, and your Allure Dental caregiver can advise you of all comparison points before you make your decision.

Your relationship with your dentist is a partnership that works toward ensuring the best in oral care for you. Establish your best and healthiest smile by contacting Allure Dental Care of Maple Lawn today by phone or online to schedule an appointment.