Unsure Whether To Go For Root Canal Or Extraction?

Everything You Need To Know To Help You Decide

Choosing between root canal treatment or a tooth extraction is not the most fun decision to make. However, like all dental decisions – it’s best made with as much info as possible, professional advice and a good night’s sleep. Here at Love Teeth we can help you with the first two, as for the sleep that’s down to you but an early night before treatment is always a good idea. Before we get to that, let’s take a look at the key differences between root canal and tooth extractions and how you can make the best choice. 

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment is a procedure that helps preserve a severely decayed or infected tooth. How it works is the dentist removes the infected pulp, gives it a good clean and then seals the tooth. It can then and often is restored with a crown to maximise function, strength and feel as natural as possible. 

What Is A Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction does what it says on the tin… It effectively removes an entire tooth from its socket and jawbone. This is a last resort when a tooth is beyond repair, often from decay, infection or trauma. Once the tooth is extracted, to fill the gap a dentist will recommend a crown, implant, bridge or denture.

What Are The Benefits Of Choosing a Root Canal?

If your tooth has a chance of being restored, your dentist will be able to tell you this after an examination. In this case a root canal can safely preserve your natural tooth which is a great option to have in itself. These are some of the benefits of choosing a root canal;

Full Function Restored

A root canal treatment can remove the decayed part of your tooth and restore it to its full, natural function. This means you will get the strongest version of your tooth without having to remove the entire root.

Long- Term Benefits

While a tooth extraction can seem tempting due to the lower price, the long term benefits of a root canal can easily outweigh that. With a tooth extraction you will need to replace the gap with denture, implants, crowns or a bridge which can end up costing £1000’s. 

Natural Smile

With a root canal, there are no aesthetic changes to your smile so you can keep your jaw and mouth’s natural appearance. 

Smooth Talking

Another benefit of root canal is it does not affect your speech at all. You can carry on with the smooth talking without anyone noticing any difference in pronunciation or your smile.

So.. What About The Benefits Of Choosing A Tooth Extraction? 

A tooth extraction may be your only option depending on the severity of the decay. However sometimes the dentist may tell you both are options and so you will have to think about the benefits of both before you decide. Here are the positives about choosing a tooth extraction…

Simple & Fast

A tooth extraction can sometimes offer the fastest procedure and provide a fast relief of pain and discomfort. However the downtime after treatment can often be longer than a root canal.

Prevention Of Future Treatment

An extraction can prevent future infection where the tooth can not be salvaged. This helps prevent the need for further damage and treatments. 

Cheaper Upfront Option

A tooth extraction can be a lower upfront cost than a root canal, however the cost of restoring and replacing the missing tooth can end up costing more. 

Final Tips & Takeaways

The final decision about whether to go for a root canal or tooth extraction is always yours, however a professional opinion from your dentist can help reassure you are making the best choice. Both treatments provide different benefits depending on the severity of tooth damage. A root canal can fully restore your natural bite and functionality without affecting appearance or speech. A tooth extraction can resolve discomfort faster and be a cheaper upfront cost, however the replacement of the missing tooth can end up costing more in the long run. 

Why not come along for a free consultation with one of our specialists? They can take a look at your tooth, answer any questions and support you in making the best choice. Then after a good night’s sleep you can get booked in and get rid of your pain, discomfort and enjoy life to the full again. 

Does that sound like a dream come true? Book your consultation here or give our team a call today. We have 6 clinics throughout Surrey to take care of you. After your treatment, chat to your dentist about membership that can help save the cost of taking care of your smile. We are always here to keep you smiling.