When dealing with a severely damaged or infected tooth, your options will likely be a tooth extraction or a root canal. While both procedures can help reduce pain and stop the spread of infection, they each have specific differences and benefits that are important to understand to help you make an informed decision. In this article, we will explore how treatment works for both a root canal and a tooth extraction to help guide you toward the best option for your oral health. 

Understanding Tooth Extraction

Before deciding between a tooth extraction and a root canal, let’s first take time to understand both procedures, starting with a tooth extraction. 

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction involves removing the tooth from its socket. This procedure is typically performed when the tooth is too damaged to be saved. Extractions can help eliminate pain and infection and are typically performed under localized anesthesia by an oral surgeon or other dental professional. 

When Is Tooth Extraction Recommended?

• A tooth is severely decayed or beyond repair. 
• There is advanced gum disease causing loose teeth.
• There are impacted teeth or overcrowding, requiring removal for orthodontic treatment.
• If there is an infection that cannot be treated with antibiotics.
• If there are wisdom teeth or other teeth that don’t erupt properly and need to be removed.

The Extraction Process

For visible teeth, tooth extraction is typically a relatively straightforward procedure, in which a dental professional will use specialized instruments to gently loosen the tooth and then lift and remove it from its socket. The recovery period for this type of procedure is typically only a few days.

If the tooth is more heavily impacted or damaged, it may require a surgical extraction, which requires the surgeon to incise the gum and potentially remove bone to cut the tooth out. This procedure has a longer recovery time, which can last several weeks.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

While a tooth extraction removes a damaged tooth, a root canal is a procedure designed to save a tooth so it does not need to be removed. 

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canals are procedures meant to save a damaged or infected tooth. An oral surgeon removes the infected pulp from the tooth, cleans and disinfects the area, and then seals the tooth. Like extractions, root canals are performed under local anesthesia. 

When Is a Root Canal Recommended?

• When deep decay or an infection is affecting the tooth’s pulp.
• When there are cracked or damaged teeth exposing the inner layers.
• If the tooth is cracked or broken which is exposing the pulp. 
• If a tooth has undergone multiple dental procedures, such as fillings or restorations that have weakened the tooth over time. 

The Root Canal Process

A root canal procedure involves the dentist adding a dental dam over the infected tooth and nearby gums. From there, a tiny hole is drilled into the tooth’s crown so the pulp can be accessed. After the pulp is cleared, the empty pulp chamber is filled with a rubbery dental material called gutta-percha.

The dental professional then seals the tooth with a temporary filling to keep out bacteria and places a dental crown on the infected tooth. Recovery from a root canal can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, but any sensitivity typically heals within a few days. 

How to Choose Between Extraction and Root Canal Treatment

Now that you understand tooth extractions and root canals, you next need to look at the factors that determine which is best for your specific situation. 

Factors to Evaluate

• Severity of damage: If a tooth is irreparable, an extraction will be needed. However, if a tooth is still salvageable, a root canal will likely be the best option. 
• Gum health: If the surrounding gums are not healthy enough to support the treated tooth, an extraction will likely be needed. 
• Cost considerations: Immediate costs may be lower for an extraction, but root canals can avoid future expenses like tooth replacement.
• Long-term goals: If you can save your natural teeth through a root canal, it is typically better for preserving your oral health and alignment over the long term. 
• Dentist’s guidance: While the decision will ultimately be yours, it’s important to consider the recommendation from your dentist, as they will be able to determine what best aligns with your oral health needs. 

What to Expect During Recovery

The recovery period varies for tooth extractions and root canals, and can also be affected by factors such as your overall oral health, the complexity of the procedure, and how closely the guest follows the aftercare laid out by their dentist. 

Recovery After Tooth Extraction

Recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes 1-2 weeks with aftercare focused on preventing infection or dry socket, a painful condition in which a blood clot forms in the socket. Most guests who received a simple extraction should feel better within 2-3 days.

After an extraction, you may want to consider options such as implants, bridges, or dentures to help restore functionality and appearance. Implants shouldn’t be added for at least 1-2 months following an extraction to allow the area to heal. 

Recovery After a Root Canal

Alternatively, root canals typically have a speedier recovery and require only minimal downtime. Mild discomfort from a root canal should subside within a few days, and guests are typically fully healed within one week. 

Eating soft foods, avoiding chewing with the treated tooth, maintaining good oral hygiene, and following any other procedure aftercare tips from your dentist can help ensure a smooth recovery. 

The Long-Term Impact of Each Option

Tooth Extractions 

Tooth extractions are necessary in some cases, but can cause some long-term issues that you need to be aware of. Missing teeth can cause shifting, jawbone loss, and bite alignment issues if they are not replaced. However, replacing them with a denture or implant requires an additional procedure which can lead to more discomfort and a longer recovery time. 

Root Canal

On the other hand, a root canal can preserve your natural teeth, which maintains your bite and jaw structure. Root canals avoid the need for additional procedures in most cases. Root canals can also be less of a burden financially as they do not require a follow-up procedure. 

Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction

If you do opt for a tooth extraction, you have a few options for tooth replacement including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent replacement for an extracted tooth that mimics the appearance and function of a normal tooth. They involve a dental professional drilling and fixing a metal screw into the gum bone, which serves as an artificial root for the crown that is attached over it. 

Bridges or Dentures

Both bridges and dentures are cost-effective options that help prevent shifting, but they don’t mimic a real tooth as well as implants. Bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth called pontics, that are held in place by crowns on adjacent natural teeth.

Dentures, on the other hand, are removable prosthetic teeth that are attached to gums and can be removed when needed. Dentures can be either full or partial. 

Consult with your dentist to determine which option is best for you based on your oral health, budget, and needs moving forward. 

Tooth Extractions and Root Canals Available at Your Local Ideal Dental

There are several things you should keep in mind when deciding between a tooth extraction and a root canal. The severity of the issue, your long-term goals, and your dentist’s recommendation are all factors to consider when deciding what treatment is best for you. Schedule a consultation with Ideal Dental to discuss your options and receive personalized care for your dental health.