If you’re dealing with tooth pain, infection, or decay, you may find yourself facing a common question: should the tooth be saved with a root canal or removed with an extraction? It’s not always a straightforward answer. The decision depends on the condition of the tooth, your overall oral health, and your long-term goals.
Consulting an endodontist in Coral Springs can help you understand your options and make the best decision for your smile. But before your appointment, here’s a breakdown of how root canals and extractions compare—and which option might be better for you.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat an infected or severely damaged tooth without removing it. Every tooth contains soft tissue called pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
A root canal may be necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected—often due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures.
During the procedure, the endodontist removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and fills the space with a biocompatible material. The tooth is then sealed and restored with a crown for strength and protection.
Tooth Extractions Explained
A tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. It is typically considered when a tooth is too damaged to save, has severe periodontal disease, or is causing crowding or impaction (as with wisdom teeth).
Simple extractions are done on teeth that are visible and easily accessible, while surgical extractions may be necessary for impacted or broken teeth. After an extraction, the gap in your smile must be restored with a treatment of your choice to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting.
Key Differences Between Root Canal and Extraction
While both procedures address serious dental problems, the goals are different:
- Root canal therapy preserves your natural tooth and maintains normal function.
- Extraction removes the problem tooth entirely and may require additional procedures for replacement.
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
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Keeps Your Natural Tooth
One of the biggest advantages of a root canal is that it saves your natural tooth. This helps maintain proper chewing and speech function and avoids the shifting of neighboring teeth.
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Preserves Jawbone Integrity
When a tooth is extracted, the bone that once supported it can begin to deteriorate over time. Saving the tooth helps maintain bone health and facial structure.
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Less Disruption to Your Smile
Root canal-treated teeth can be restored to look and function like your natural teeth, with no gaps or noticeable differences in your smile.
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Predictable and Effective
Root canal therapy has a high success rate and can last a lifetime with proper care and restoration, especially when performed by a skilled endodontist.
Considerations with Root Canals
- Multiple appointments: Depending on the tooth and level of infection, treatment may require more than one visit.
- Crown required: Most teeth (especially molars) need a crown to protect them after a root canal.
- Initial cost: A root canal with a crown can cost more upfront than an extraction, though it may be more cost-effective in the long run by avoiding replacement procedures.
Benefits of Tooth Extraction
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Removes the Source of Infection Quickly
If a tooth is beyond saving, extraction may be the fastest way to eliminate pain and infection.
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Simpler in Some Cases
In teeth that are severely decayed or fractured below the gum line, extracting the tooth may be more straightforward than attempting a complex root canal or retreatment.
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Lower Initial Cost
Tooth extractions are generally less expensive than root canal therapy. However, this doesn’t include the cost of replacing the missing tooth.
Considerations with Extractions
- Bone loss over time: Without the stimulation of a tooth root, the jawbone may shrink in the area of the missing tooth.
- Shifting teeth: Gaps from missing teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, leading to bite problems or increased wear.
- Replacement needed: Most extracted teeth should be replaced with a bridge, denture, or implant—adding cost and time.
When Root Canal Therapy Is the Better Option
Root canal therapy is usually recommended when:
- The tooth structure is largely intact
- The infection is confined to the pulp or root canals
- You want to preserve your natural bite and appearance
- You’re a good candidate for crown restoration
Preserving a natural tooth is almost always preferred when it’s feasible. Natural teeth maintain the health of your jaw and bite better than most replacements.
When Extraction Might Be Necessary
Tooth extraction may be necessary when:
- The tooth is fractured beyond repair
- Severe decay has destroyed most of the structure
- There’s advanced periodontal disease and bone loss
- The tooth has failed previous root canal treatments and cannot be retreated successfully
In these situations, extraction may prevent further complications, but it often requires a long-term replacement plan.
What Treatment Is Best for You?
Before you decide between a root canal or extraction, it’s important to get a full evaluation from a dental professional—preferably an endodontist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and infection. Endodontists specialize in saving teeth and can provide a more precise assessment of whether your tooth can be preserved.
They may also use advanced imaging, like cone beam CT scans, to view the tooth in detail and make treatment recommendations based on what they see below the surface.
Talk to an Endodontist in Coral Springs Before Deciding
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether a root canal or extraction is the better option. It depends on the health of your tooth, your goals for your smile, and your long-term oral health. Root canal therapy allows you to keep your natural tooth, while extraction may be necessary if saving it isn’t practical or safe.
If you’re in pain or facing a decision about your tooth, schedule a consultation with Friedman Dental Group. Our experienced team, including a trusted endodontist, can evaluate your condition and help you choose the treatment that’s best for you.