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%.

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. 

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