Root Canal or Tooth Extraction: Making the Right Choice for You

If you have a severe tooth infection or damage, extraction or root canal are two popular treatments to relieve pain, eradicate the infection, and repair the damage.

Root canal therapy saves teeth, while extractions remove damaged or cracked teeth.

Some patients choose extractions due to their perceived less painful and affordable nature. However, this is not always the case.

We will explain these options so that you can make the right decision.

What is a Root Canal and Tooth Extraction?

Root Canal

A root canal is a process that removes the diseased pulp of a tooth and cleans and seals the interior to prevent infection.

It is done under local anaesthesia by a dentist. For more complicated cases, sometimes the dentist may refer you to an endodontist.

Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is the removal of a fractured or infected tooth from its socket by a dentist under local anaesthesia.

What are the Outcomes?

Both solutions solve the issue, but the outcomes are:

• The problem is fixed by a root canal, leaving you with a healthy natural tooth.
• When a tooth is extracted, the issue is resolved, but you are left with a gap that needs to be filled.

When Should You Get a Root Canal?

Nothing is as durable and dependable as a natural tooth. So, wherever possible, we prefer to save them.

As long as the tooth’s remaining structure is healthy, root canal treatment is typically preferred.

Your dentist will thoroughly examine the problematic tooth to see if you qualify for root canal therapy. X-rays and scans may also be used to assess the supporting jawbone and underlying roots. If the long-term outlook is favourable, root canal treatment is likely suggested.

When is Extraction the Preferable Choice?

Sometimes, a tooth cannot be saved by your dentist and must be extracted.

This can be the case if your tooth has a significant cavity affecting too much of its structure, leaving it too weak to be repaired.

Extraction may be the best option if your tooth has a significant fracture. A tooth with a crack that extends below the gum line is also a good candidate for extraction.

Procedure and Aftercare

Root Canal

Root canal treatment involves:

• Numbing the affected tooth.
• Creating an opening.
• Removing the diseased pulp.
• Cleaning the pulp chambers.
• Filling with dental material to replace damaged pulp.
• Placing a crown to restore appearance and strength.

Multiple visits are typically required depending on the patient’s situation.

Pain is rarely experienced. If there is discomfort, it may occur for a few days, ranging from dull to acute. Over-the-counter painkillers can manage discomfort, but it’s best to consult a dental professional if it is too intense or returns.

Tooth Extraction

The dentist numbs the area, uses an elevator, and forceps to extract a tooth, ensuring comfort during the procedure.

You will bite on some gauze for up to 15 minutes after removing your tooth to help control the bleeding.

Minimal to no facial swelling and light bleeding are possible for the first 24 hours following the treatment.

However, the swelling can be reduced with cold packs. Stick to soft, cold meals when you start eating so as not to aggravate the extraction site.

As you recuperate, you can gradually resume your regular diet.

The extraction site will often need to recover for at least two weeks, so you should carefully brush your teeth to prevent further inflammation.

Costs of Root Canal vs. Extraction

When compared to root canal therapy, tooth extraction is less expensive. But you should consider getting a dental implant to replace the missing tooth to stop jawbone deterioration and supra-eruption or movement of other teeth surrounding the missing tooth.

Although implants are a fantastic treatment, they can be rather expensive.

Root canal therapy prevents the need for future tooth replacement, which can ultimately save you money. It also maintains your natural tooth in place.

Choosing an Option in Norlane Dental Surgery

Norlane dentist examines your tooth and recommends the most appropriate treatment method based on experience. We can help determine the right choice between a root canal and extraction for your tooth.

Norlane Dental Surgery focuses on providing patients with exceptional general, orthodontics and Implant dentistry.

We are a multi-surgery practice that has been operating for over 30 years, taking care of the community’s oral health needs.

Visit your Norlane dentist today!

Contact us at (03) 5278 2666 or make your appointment online.

We are located at 124 Sparks Road in Norlane.