03
Jan
Between Root Canal and Extraction, Which Is Right For You? 4 Things You Should Know
Do you have a damaged or infected tooth? Dental extraction and root canal therapy (RCT) are two common ways to alleviate pain and infection. But which one is right for you? Many patients opt for a dental extraction because they think it’s affordable and less painful. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true. Red Hill Dental Practice in Red Hill, Victoria, explains the options so you can discover the best choice for your oral health needs.
1. A root canal saves natural teeth
A root canal saves your badly damaged or infected tooth that would otherwise be extracted. The dentist removes the infected tissues during a root canal and cleans and seals the root canals. The final step is to restore the tooth with a natural-looking dental crown. A root canal-treated tooth looks and functions like other teeth. It can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
2. Sometimes, teeth can’t be saved
Our number one priority is preserving all 32 natural teeth. However, sometimes tooth extraction is unavoidable. If you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth beyond saving, this may be the case. Tooth removal is also necessary to resolve overcrowding or create space for orthodontic care. Lastly, dental extraction is the only option for troublesome or impacted wisdom teeth.
When dental extractions are necessary, Dr. Chris Wooldridge and his team ensure the process is seamless and painless. We use light touch techniques and powerful anesthetics to provide a comfortable dental experience.
3. Tooth replacement is necessary after extraction
Your extracted tooth must be replaced unless it’s an extra or wisdom tooth. When a tooth is extracted, the gap left behind may cause neighboring teeth to shift over time, leading to misalignment. This can alter your bite and make it difficult to chew properly, leading to jaw pain, muscle tension, and headaches. Additionally, the absence of a tooth root triggers bone loss in the jaw at the extraction site, weakening the jawbone over time and changing facial structure.
The good news is that you have several options for replacing your missing tooth. You can replace your tooth with a bridge, denture, or dental implant. Our tooth replacement options look real and restore your oral function to almost 100%.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (03) 5907 5942 | Existing Patients: (03) 5989 2144
4. Unless otherwise, a root canal is the best option
When a tooth is infected or damaged, extraction seems the easiest option to resolve the pain and infection. Extraction eliminates immediate pain and is generally less expensive than a root canal. However, removing a tooth leads to longer-term consequences that may prove more costly and impact oral health.
Root canal treatment is more expensive upfront than extraction but preserves your natural tooth, maintains your bite alignment, and prevents jawbone deterioration. This preservation keeps your smile natural and protects the surrounding teeth and bone. In the long run, saving your tooth with a root canal offers greater savings and stability for your overall dental health.
Need help to make the best decision?
Still can’t decide between extraction and a root canal? Red Hill Dental Practice can help you decide after a comprehensive evaluation. Call (03) 5907 5942 to reserve your consultation. Our team will recommend the most appropriate procedure based on your oral health needs.Â
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Dr. Emma Barnsley
Dr. Emma Barnsley has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years since earning her Bachelor of Dentistry from Sheffield University in 2003. She also holds an MFDS from The Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow. Dr. Emma is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the ICCDE (Orth), and her expertise spans general, cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. She is particularly focused on optimizing children’s dental development. Dr. Emma is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and stays committed to continuous professional development to ensure the best outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Julia Gellatly
Dr. Julia Gellatly has over 15 years of dental experience, having graduated with honors from her Bachelor of Dental Science in 2009. She further advanced her qualifications with a Master’s in Forensic Medicine from Monash University in 2020, becoming a certified Forensic Odontologist. Dr. Julia is known for her expertise in restorative and pediatric dentistry, with a special focus on alleviating anxiety in patients. She is recognized for her thorough patient education and gentle approach, ensuring informed, comfortable care. Her continuous pursuit of professional growth underscores her dedication to excellence and patient trust.
Dr. Chris Wooldridge
Dr. Chris Wooldridge is a highly skilled dentist with extensive post-graduate training, including a diploma in Advanced General Dentistry and a Mastership in Implantology from Melbourne University. With years of experience, he is an active member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the Australasian Osseointegration Society, and the International Team for Implantology. Dr. Chris is dedicated to offering advanced, evidence-based treatments and regularly undertakes professional development. His commitment to patient care, education, and the latest techniques ensures a high standard of dental care and fosters trust and confidence in his patients.
Skye Greenhill
With two decades of experience, Skye Greenhill is a highly qualified dental therapist who graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2004. She holds a postgraduate certificate in dental therapy (advanced clinical practice), which she completed in 2010. Skye is recognized for her expertise in pediatric and young adult care, and she prioritizes reducing dental anxiety through patient-centered approaches. She has also served as a clinical demonstrator at The University of Melbourne. She stays current with the latest practices through regular professional development, ensuring trustworthy and high-quality care for all her patients.
Dr. Paul Gleeson
Dr. Paul Gleeson has over 35 years of dental experience, with expertise in general, cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. A graduate of the Las Vegas Institute, Dr. Paul is highly skilled in implant planning and placement. He is a respected member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the VDEAS Study Group. Known for his commitment to tailored patient care, Dr. Paul stays current with the latest advancements in dentistry, ensuring his treatments are of the highest standard. His long-standing experience and dedication to excellence make him a trusted name in dental care.
Dr. Raoul Harrison
Dr. Raoul Harrison has over 40 years of experience, having graduated from Melbourne University in 1983. He has extensive expertise in oral surgery, implant placement, and wisdom tooth removal, with advanced training from Zurich and Boston. Dr. Raoul has been placing implants since 1997 and is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the International Team for Implantology, and the International Association of Dental Traumatology. His dedication to continued education and collaboration within his field makes him a highly authoritative and trusted professional in oral surgery and implantology.