Root Canal Vs Tooth Extraction: Which One Is Better?

Suffering from a tooth infection or decay can be daunting as it is painful and makes it challenging for the patient to make the right decision. There are two ways to fix this issue: a root canal or an extraction followed by an implant. However, the success % of teeth treated with root canals is 84%, significantly higher than those replaced with implants at 80%.  

A root canal is performed when a tooth’s pulp is infected, whereas an extraction is done when the tooth structure is damaged.

We’ll briefly compare root canal therapy and tooth extraction to help our patients make an informed decision about preserving their dental health. PVPD dentists can better recommend opting for root canal therapy or extraction treatment by examining your tooth. 

Root Canal Therapy Vs. Tooth Extraction

A root canal is a dental procedure that deals with infected teeth by removing the pulp, cleaning, and sealing with temporary filling to prevent further infection. Local anesthesia is performed on the patient to make the procedure pain accessible. 

An extraction removes an infected or damaged tooth from your mouth. It means you lose a tooth, causing pain and losing its significant functions. The tooth is removed, and an orthodontist fills the empty place with an implant. 

Procedure: 

During root canal treatment, an anesthesiologist will give you local anesthesia using any in-office technique that numbs the targeted area. The infected pulp or soft tissue is removed, and the chamber is cleaned using special tools. 

The void is then filled with a biocomposite or any other material to seal off the opening. After a few weeks, you can get that temporary filling removed and look for a restoration method, such as crowns.

In the extraction process, the decayed tooth is removed entirely. Sometimes, an extraction is performed after a root canal to remove the tooth. For basic extraction, the dentists use local anesthesia and remove the tooth using forceps.

For a surgical extraction, general anesthesia is given to the patient, and the tooth and some bone around the tooth are removed to stop the infection from spreading to nearby teeth. A dental implant then fills the empty place to restore your smile and mouth functions.

Success ratio:

The root canals aim to keep your natural permanent tooth intact for as long as possible. However, studies reveal that 86% of root canal cases successfully save teeth. 

Extraction is a successful approach to avoid decayed and damaged teeth, especially when painful and causes eating or speaking difficulties.

Time frame:

The root canals take longer than extractions because the intricate procedure requires different steps. Although the total time of the process is only 30 minutes to 2 hours, it may extend in the case of back molars and wisdom teeth. 

On the other hand, an extraction is quick and only takes a minute, but recovery can be prolonged. So, if you think about which is more painful, root canal or wisdom tooth extraction, both are made comforting by anesthesia, but still, people with dental phobia must go with extraction. 

Potential Drawbacks:

As both procedures are highly advanced and commonly used in dental clinics, some pros and cons are linked, making it challenging for patients to choose from.

So, let’s have a look at the drawbacks of root canal fillings:

The drawbacks of tooth extraction include:

• Tooth breakage can occur during the process, which can complicate it. 
• There is always a risk of developing a dry socket after tooth removal. 
• The loss of a natural tooth is actual and can’t be overcome at any cost. 

Cost:

If you are considering getting a root canal, you can expect around $1000 to $1800 without insurance. If your insurance covers such dental procedures, you can get it done within $1000. However, remember that the cost of a dental crown is not included. 

As extraction is quick, it costs around $100 to $350 without insurance and $50 to $150 with insurance. Moreover, other factors also influence their cost, such as location, your dentist’s expertise, and dental X-rays or other tests. 

Root Canal or Extraction: Which Option is Best?

Sometimes, a root canal is the best choice to preserve the natural tooth. But, if your tooth is severely damaged and not recovering, an extraction would be the better choice. Only a dentist can carefully analyze your situation and give an opinion. 

FAQs

Can I ask for an extraction instead of a root canal?

Yes, you can make a decision yourself. By evaluating the risks involved, complete your research, take a second opinion, and then decide. 

Which process takes longer to heal a root canal or extraction?

The root canal takes longer to heal as a temporary filling needs to be removed, and a crown is fitted. The process takes longer to complete than extraction, which is fast but results in an aesthetically unpleasing smile for a while. 

Does a root canal hurt more than removal?

Both cases are made more accessible for patients with advanced sedative dentistry. It lessens the pain and makes the dental treatment comforting for patients, especially those with dental phobia.