An infected tooth is one of the most painful sensations. The discomfort can interfere with your daily activities and leave you feeling miserable. No doubt, you just want to get out of pain! When you visit your dentist, they might inform you that either root canal therapy or a tooth extraction is the best way to address the problem. Which treatment is better? That really depends on your situation! This blog post helps you understand the basics about each option.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Better?
A tooth extraction removes the entire tooth from your mouth. Therefore, it removes the source of a dental infection and can provide permanent pain relief after you heal from the procedure.
This treatment is often recommended when a tooth has severe decay below the gumline, a deep crack that extends into the root, advanced gum disease, or damage so extensive that a reliable restoration is not possible. Some patients choose an extraction because its upfront cost is less than that of root canal therapy.
However, keep in mind that extraction leaves a gap that can affect your bite, chewing, and appearance. You may also need a bridge, denture, or implant later, which can make this option more expensive overall than preserving the tooth with root canal therapy.
Due to the downsides associated with tooth loss, extractions are often viewed as a last-resort treatment for damaged and infected teeth.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Better?
Root canal therapy removes infected or damaged tissue from inside your tooth. After that, your dentist cleans the tooth’s interior, fills the empty space, and then seals the tooth. In many cases, a crown is necessary after a root canal to protect the tooth against additional damage.
This option is often the better choice when the tooth structure remains strong enough to save and the infection has not yet destroyed the tooth beyond repair. The biggest advantage of this option is that you keep your natural tooth, which helps you maintain normal bite function and jaw support. Root canal therapy also prevents the shifting that can happen after tooth loss.
In cases where either extraction or root canal therapy is a viable option, dentists often recommend the latter because of the many advantages that come with preventing tooth loss.
Listen to Your Dentist’s Advice.
Neither root canal therapy nor tooth extraction is necessarily the “better” treatment. It all depends on circumstances! After a thorough examination, your emergency dentist will explain your options and help you make a well-informed decision about your next steps.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Cole Simpson and Gregg Vesta are the highly skilled dentists in our Boerne practice. Under their leadership, we are often able to provide same-day emergency care. Both root canal therapy and tooth extractions are available in our office. If you are struggling with a toothache, we are ready to welcome you in and help you get out of pain. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact Boerne Dental Center at 830-249-2045.