TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Dental Extraction vs. Root Canal: How to Decide

When you experience pain from a damaged or infected tooth, you typically have two options to alleviate the pain: a root canal or tooth extraction. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the severity of the damage or infection in the tooth. The main difference between the two procedures is the removal of the tooth itself.

In a root canal, the inside of the tooth is cleaned of any infected pulp and then sealed to prevent further infection. This preserves the natural tooth. On the other hand, when an infection is too severe or damage to the tooth cannot be repaired, a tooth extraction can be done to remove the tooth. This leaves behind an empty socket that can later be filled with a dental implant or artificial tooth. 

While preserving the natural tooth is commonly the best option when deciding between a root canal or dental extraction, there are cases where a dental extraction is necessary for oral health. Some of these cases include:

• Severe damage or infection
• Impacted or crowded teeth
• Infection that has spread to the jawbone
• The tooth has lost structural integrity
• Multiple root canals have been performed on the same tooth

Besides the level of damage to your tooth, there are a few additional factors that you should consider when deciding between a root canal or tooth extraction. For example, older patients might require a longer recovery time and experience more complications as a result of surgery. Anxiety might also play a role in your decision, as a root canal can often be a more complex procedure. 

Pros and Cons of Dental Extractions

Every dental procedure has pros and cons associated with its outcome. Understanding the risks and benefits of your dental extraction can help you decide whether it is the best option. 

Pros of Dental Extractions

While the main goal of dental care is to preserve your natural teeth, sometimes removing the damaged tooth is the best choice. Some benefits of dental extractions can include:

• Improved smile: Crowded or impacted teeth can often negatively affect the appearance of your smile. Removing a crowded or impacted tooth can create space in the mouth for the teeth to shift into better alignment. This not only improves the look of your smile, but it can also benefit your ability to eat and speak.
• Stop future issues and pain: A severely infected or damaged tooth can impact not only your oral health but your overall health as well. In many cases, it also causes pain and discomfort. By removing the tooth now, you can alleviate that pain and prevent any future consequences from the infection.
• Short-term cost: A tooth extraction can be a more cost-effective option than other dental procedures to save a tooth.  

If you have an infected, damaged, or impacted tooth, you should contact a trusted dentist to discuss your options and determine whether an extraction is beneficial. 

Cons of Dental Extractions

Even though tooth extractions are a safe and commonly practiced procedure, there are still risks that you should consider before moving forward with your extraction. Some of these cons can include:

• Empty space: Unlike root canals, which save natural teeth, dental extractions leave an empty space in the mouth. This space will likely need to be filled with an artificial tooth. 
• Long-term cost: Although the immediate cost of a dental extraction can be minor, you should consider the long-term costs associated with replacing the tooth. Depending on the type of dental implant used, replacement costs can be high. 
• Surgical complications: While the risk of complications is typically minimal, you might experience a dry socket, nerve damage, or infection following the extraction of your tooth. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the risks involved in your dental extraction procedure, you should speak to your dentist to determine the best way to mitigate these risks.  

Common Myths About Dental Extractions

Because tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures performed, there are a number of myths that are incorrectly believed about them. Here are some common myths about dental extractions and the truth behind them:

• All wisdom teeth must be removed: If there is ample room in your mouth and you are not experiencing any pain or discomfort, allowing your wisdom teeth to grow in is perfectly safe.
• You do not need a dental implant: If a space has been created by your dental extraction, it should be replaced with a dental implant to ensure proper alignment of your teeth and jaw. 
• An infected or damaged tooth must be removed: Some infected or damaged teeth can be saved through a root canal. In a root canal, infected pulp is cleaned from the inside of the tooth, which is then sealed to prevent future infection. 
• Tooth extractions are painful: Modern advancements in dental technology have enabled dentists to precisely remove teeth with minimally invasive techniques, making dental extraction painless. Sedation can also be used to help reduce any stress or anxiety about the procedure. 
• Recovery is long: Most patients can return to normal activity within a few days. If you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions, the empty socket typically heals in one to two weeks. 

An experienced dentist can answer any questions you have about these myths and help you create an individualized treatment plan that fits your dental needs.