What’s The Difference Between a Root Canal and Tooth Extraction?

What’s The Difference Between a Root Canal and Tooth Extraction?

Both procedures often address serious dental issues or infections. However, they treat the problems in fundamentally different ways. 

A root canal eliminates the infection inside your tooth by creating a small opening to remove the diseased pulp. The main goals of a root canal are to save your natural tooth, relieve pain, and prevent the infection from spreading.

Meanwhile, a tooth extraction is a surgical solution that removes the source of the infection. It’s often used for severely damaged teeth or infections.

Why Would You Need A Root Canal or Tooth Extraction?

There are various reasons why you’d need a root canal or an extraction. Here are some reasons to get a root canal or tooth extraction:

Which Procedure is Best for You?

Your dentist will determine which procedure is better for your situation. Here are some factors that they’ll consider when weighing your options:

• The extent of the damage — A root canal might be recommended if the tooth’s structure is largely intact. But an extraction might be safer if there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure left.
• The severity of the infection — If it’s confined to the inner pulp, a root canal can help remove it. But if the infection has spread, an extraction might be necessary.
• Dental health — Severe gum disease can compromise the support around the tooth, making root canal therapy less successful long-term.
• Overall health — Some medical conditions can affect your eligibility for root canal therapy. Your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction to avoid potential complications.
• Age and medical history — Root canal therapy might be more challenging for older patients or those with uncontrolled systemic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension.
• Cost — A root canal is generally more expensive. However, an extraction might require a replacement, like an implant or bridge, leading to a potentially higher total.
• Aesthetics — Root canals are often preferred to preserve the natural look of your teeth. 
• Restorability of the tooth — An extraction might be more practical if a crown or filling won’t provide enough support after a root canal.

Although your dentist will determine what’s best for you, they’ll still take your preferences into consideration. Lastly, your dentist will take into consideration the tooth’s expected longevity. An extraction might be preferable if a root canal is likely to fail after a short time.

Which Procedure Feels Worse?

It’s normal to worry about how painful these procedures are. Fortunately, modern dental techniques have made both procedures quite comfortable.

Both use numbing and anesthesia to ensure minimal discomfort. However, aftercare is a different story.

A tooth extraction might cause more soreness in the initial stages of healing. However, people experience pain differently, so your experience may vary.

What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy

Every dentist has a specific process when performing dental procedures. However, these are the general steps of a root canal treatment:

1. Local anesthesia will be administered, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure.
2. A small hole is created in the tooth to access the infected nerve and pulp inside.
3. Tiny instruments, such as endodontic files, are used to carefully remove the infected tissue and clean the tooth’s inner chambers.
4. The root canal is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha to prevent reinfection and seal the tooth.
5. After the procedure, a permanent or temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth until it’s fully restored with a crown.
6. A custom-made crown is fitted over your tooth to strengthen and restore its appearance and function.

Some offices offer same-day crowns, while others send the crown work to a laboratory and require you to return two weeks later. A root canal takes about one to two weeks to heal.

You can expect some soreness a few days after the procedure. If you have any concerns, we highly encourage contacting your dentist. 

What to Expect During A Tooth Extraction

People’s experience during a tooth extraction can vary depending on the condition of the tooth or teeth being extracted. However, there are general steps you can expect during the procedure:

1. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort.
2. They’ll then use specialized instruments to loosen the tooth from the socket. 
3. Once the tooth is loose, it will be carefully extracted with dental forceps.
4. The gum tissue will be cleaned and closed with stitches, and gauze will be placed over the extraction site to help control bleeding.

After the procedure, you’ll experience pain and swelling for a few days. Your dentist will provide instructions for aftercare and pain management. 

Small extractions will heal in a week; extensive extractions can take several weeks. Additionally, your dentist might recommend replacing the missing tooth to prevent shifting, bone loss, and changes to your bite. 

Potential Risks, Complications, and Long-Term Impact

It's important to be aware that both procedures have the potential for complications and long-term problems. Understanding these risks can help you make a more informed decision on treatment. 

These risks and complications include:

Although this might seem frightening, complications like these are rare. Both procedures are generally considered safe and effective, with high success rates.

What Should You Do During a Dental Consultation?

When consulting your dentist, it’s important to discuss your concerns, symptoms, anxieties, and questions. Share your thoughts on maintaining your natural smile, finding the option that fits within your budget, or minimizing discomfort. 

You should also bring any previous dental records, X-rays, medical history, or a list of medications you’re currently taking. After the examination, your dentist will explain different treatment options and their benefits, risks, and outlook.

Additionally, you shouldn’t feel pressured into making a particular choice. Your dentist should present you with the information you need to make a decision that meets your needs.