If your tooth is severely infected, your doctor might recommend root canal therapy or extraction. But is a root canal better than tooth extraction? In this article, we discuss this question and describe the advantages and disadvantages of these procedures.
Is a Root Canal Better than Tooth Extraction?
On the one hand, it is possible to say that root canal therapy is better than tooth extraction, as it is always more advantageous in the long term to preserve the natural tooth. However, a root canal is only better than tooth extraction when the chances of the tooth surviving after the procedure are high enough, and the tooth is not completely destroyed by infection or trauma.
Let us look at the procedures of root canal and extraction in more detail.
Cases When Root Canal Therapy Is Best
Root canal therapy is used when decay is extensive and can not be treated with a dental filling, as the infection has reached the inner pulp of the tooth. During this procedure, your dentist accesses the inner chambers of the tooth through its crown, removes the infected pulp, and cleans the canals. Then, the tooth is filled with biocompatible material and hermetically sealed.
If the tooth’s structure is significantly weakened by infection, a crown is placed to reinforce the tooth and prevent future fractures. In fact, in the majority of cases, it is recommended to place the crown immediately after the procedure to avoid future complications.
As we mentioned before, the main advantage of root canal therapy is preservation of the natural tooth, which offers the following benefits:
- It prevents jawbone resorption (jawbone density loss), which occurs when you are missing your natural teeth, and preserves your facial structure as a result.
- It prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty space and from changing your tooth alignment.
- It preserves the chewing function.
- It eliminates the need for costly tooth replacement solutions, such as dental implants (which can also have complications).
Cases When It Is Better to Extract the Tooth
If the tooth’s structure is severely damaged by infection, or the infection has spread to the surrounding gum and bone tissue, it is likely impossible to save the tooth and prevent further infection spread using root canal therapy. In such cases, the tooth is removed, and the infection is treated with additional procedures and antibiotics. Additionally, a tooth is extracted when it is broken at the gum line.
Subsequently, the lost tooth can be replaced with a dental bridge or an implant, depending on your preferences, budget, and oral health.
Additionally, you may consider the price of the procedure when choosing between a root canal and a tooth extraction. When it comes to immediate expenses, tooth extraction might cost less than root canal treatment, especially if you also need a crown. However, in the long run, you might spend more money on dental replacements, such as bridges or implants, than you would have spent on a root canal and a crown.
Make an Appointment at Tropic Dental Care
If you experience symptoms of tooth decay, make an appointment with an experienced dentist as soon as possible to increase the chances of preserving the tooth. Our specialists will carefully examine your case to determine whether root canal therapy is feasible or whether extraction is preferable. We are looking forward to your visit to Tropic Dental Care.
