Root canals and extractions are performed routinely. Either one will improve your oral health by removing decay. Learn the difference between the two below.

Your natural teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, teeth sometimes become so decayed or damaged that advanced dental treatment is needed. But the good news is your dentist has two proven methods to rid you of the pain of a badly compromised tooth. They can perform a root canal or extract the tooth.

While no one likes to undergo root canal therapy or have a tooth pulled, such treatments will spare you the excruciating pain and complications of living with a severely decayed tooth. So, if your tooth is painful and infected, see your dentist immediately. They will ultimately decide which procedure is better for you and your oral health.

Root canal vs. extraction

If you’re worried either procedure will be painful, don’t be! You’ll be given anesthesia to make you comfortable. To put you at ease, here’s a brief breakdown of a root canal and a tooth extraction so you know what to expect.

Root canal. Tooth decay doesn’t always stop at the first layer of the tooth (the enamel). It can spread to the inner pulp of the tooth, where the blood vessels and nerves reside. To address the decay and infection, the dentist drills into the pulp, scopes out the diseased portion, disinfects the pulp and the canals, and seals the tooth. Root canal therapy is one of the most frequently performed dental procedures, with 25 million done yearly. 

Extraction. If the decay is significant enough, an extraction is warranted. One study found tooth decay and gum disease are the top two reasons for an extraction. However, a tooth may be pulled to relieve overcrowding before orthodontic treatment. Wisdom teeth, especially if impacted, are often extracted, too. During a simple extraction, the tooth is extracted from its socket. If the tooth is impacted, your dentist will make a tiny incision in the gums and bone and remove the tooth.

So which is better?

Both are equally safe and effective in ridding your tooth of decay and infection. Before deciding on either one, ask your dentist these questions for clarification:

Which saves most of the natural tooth? A root canal will preserve most of your natural tooth, so dentists typically prefer root canal therapy over an extraction. However, to benefit your overall oral health, and depending on the level of decay, an extraction can prevent infection from spreading to other teeth.

Any complications? Complications from either a root canal or extraction are exceedingly rare. But if you experience persistent pain, notice pus, or have a fever, contact your dentist immediately. A root canal can sometimes fail. When it does, your dentist can perform another root canal.

What happens after a root canal or extraction? A root canal can last a lifetime, so you don’t need to do much more than follow excellent oral hygiene habits. After an extraction, you’ll need to fill in the space where the tooth once was. Otherwise, your teeth may shift out of alignment. Your dentist will discuss your options, but it will likely be a dental implant, bridge, or dentures.

How to prevent a root canal or extraction? That’s easy! You can avoid a root canal or extraction with consistent and good dental care. Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss nightly. Limit alcohol and quit smoking to maintain good oral and general health. But the best practice is to see your dentist twice a year or at the first signs of any changes in your mouth. 

Espire takes care of all your dental needs

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Mission Valley, CA, location today! Our highly trained dentists can check your teeth and decide whether a root canal or extraction is your best bet. We’re experts in both! Don’t live near our Mission Valley, CA, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Mission Valley, CA
8989 Rio San Diego Drive
Suite 170
San Diego, CA 92108