Which is Better: Root Canal or Tooth Extraction?

When faced with a severely damaged or infected tooth, your dentist may recommend one of two main treatments: a root canal or a tooth extraction. Both procedures can relieve pain and prevent further infection, but they serve very different purposes. Choosing between them depends on the condition of your tooth, your overall oral health, and your long-term dental goals. Let’s take a closer look at what each procedure involves and which option might be best for you.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is designed to save your natural tooth by removing the infected pulp inside it. During the procedure, your dentist cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, fills it with a protective material, and seals it with a crown to restore strength and function.

Root canals are highly effective for treating teeth affected by deep decay, cracks, or trauma. The biggest advantage of a root canal is that it preserves your natural tooth, which helps maintain your bite alignment and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting. It also eliminates pain while allowing you to chew and smile normally.

Modern root canal therapy is far less painful than many people think—it’s usually no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime.

Understanding Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction involves completely removing a damaged or infected tooth from its socket. This option may be necessary if the tooth is too decayed, fractured, or infected to be saved. In some cases, extraction may also be recommended if there’s overcrowding, impacted wisdom teeth, or advanced gum disease.

While extraction can provide quick relief and eliminate infection, it also leaves an empty space in your mouth. Missing teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw, shifting of nearby teeth, and difficulty chewing. Over time, these issues can affect your bite, speech, and facial structure.

If a tooth must be extracted, replacing it promptly with a dental implant, bridge, or denture is crucial to restore function and prevent long-term complications.

Root Canal vs. Extraction: Key Considerations

Tooth Preservation

If your tooth can be saved, a root canal is almost always the better option. Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain your bite and supports jawbone health.

Cost and Longevity

While extractions may seem cheaper initially, the cost of replacing the missing tooth—through implants or bridges—often makes it more expensive in the long run. A root canal with a crown is typically a more cost-effective, durable solution.

Healing Time

Root canal recovery is usually quicker and less invasive than extraction, which involves bone and tissue healing.

Oral Health Impact

An extracted tooth can lead to further dental issues if not replaced. Root canals, on the other hand, preserve your smile’s structure.

In most cases, a root canal is the preferred option because it saves your natural tooth and maintains long-term oral health. However, if a tooth is too damaged to repair, extraction may be the only solution. Your dentist will carefully evaluate your tooth and discuss your options to help you make the best decision for your smile.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gaches earned his dental degree from the University of Southern California. Since graduating, he consistently takes continuing education courses, completing training in all aspects of dentistry. He has received a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry as well as accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He also stays current in the field through memberships with the American Dental Association and the Oklahoma Dental Association. If you have a damaged tooth that needs attention, we can help! Schedule an appointment online or call our Owasso office at (918) 928-2383.