Root Canal vs. Extraction: Why Saving Your Tooth Is Worth It

When deciding between a root canal vs extraction, saving your tooth is usually the healthier long-term choice. Root canals help preserve bone, maintain your bite, and avoid future dental complications. Extractions can lead to more complex—and costly—treatments if not replaced.

When a tooth becomes severely damaged or infected, patients are often faced with a big decision: root canal vs extraction. The temptation to "just pull it" can be strong—especially if you're in pain, worried about costs, or fearful of dental procedures. After all, removing the tooth seems quicker and easier, right?

But here’s the truth: while extractions have their place, preserving your natural tooth through a root canal is usually the smarter and healthier long-term choice. Dentistry has evolved tremendously over the years, and today’s root canal treatments are faster, more comfortable, and more predictable than ever before. In many cases, keeping your tooth can protect your bite, preserve your jawbone, and help you avoid a costly chain reaction of future dental work.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between a root canal vs extraction, what’s really involved in each procedure, and why choosing to save your tooth—when possible—is an investment in your long-term oral health.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of a tooth. Your dentist cleans and disinfects the root canals, then fills and seals them to prevent future infection. Finally, a crown is placed on top to restore the tooth's strength and function.

Contrary to its reputation, modern root canals are typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. They can be completed in one or two appointments and offer a high success rate for saving teeth.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction involves removing the entire tooth from its socket. While it might seem like a quick fix, it comes with consequences: changes to your bite, shifting of nearby teeth, and loss of jawbone in the area. If the extracted tooth isn’t replaced with an implant or bridge, these issues can cascade into more complex problems down the line.

Why Saving Your Tooth Is Usually the Better Choice

Here’s why a root canal is often preferable to an extraction:

• Preserves Your Natural Bite
  Keeping your tooth helps maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth and the natural structure of your bite. Once a tooth is removed, nearby teeth may shift, creating gaps and functional problems.
• Prevents Bone Loss
  Your jawbone needs stimulation from a tooth root to stay healthy. When a tooth is extracted and not replaced with an implant, the bone in that area begins to deteriorate—something a root canal can help you avoid.
• Maintains Facial Appearance
  Tooth and bone loss can contribute to a sunken or aged facial appearance over time. Saving your tooth with a root canal helps preserve the underlying bone and facial structure.
• Fewer Complications and Follow-ups
  Extractions often require more long-term care if the tooth is not replaced. Implants, bridges, or dentures all come with added costs and procedures, whereas a root canal may restore your tooth for good.

When Extraction Might Be the Right Call

While root canals are ideal in many cases, there are times when extraction is necessary or more practical—for example, if the tooth is too severely damaged, fractured below the gumline, or unable to be restored.

In these cases, your dentist will guide you through replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures to restore both appearance and function.

Root Canal vs Extraction: Cost and Comfort

• Cost: While an extraction may seem cheaper upfront, replacing the tooth with an implant or bridge can end up being more expensive than a root canal and crown.

• Comfort: Many patients find root canals less traumatic overall. You keep your tooth and avoid additional surgeries or adjustments.

• Recovery: Root canal recovery tends to be easier and quicker than surgical extractions.

The Takeaway: Choose Preservation When Possible

When comparing a root canal vs extraction, think beyond the immediate relief. Ask yourself what’s best for your health in the long run. If your dentist says the tooth can be saved with a root canal, it’s usually worth doing. The benefits—preserving your bite, bone, and smile—often outweigh the perceived convenience of extraction.

If you're in need of dental work, feel free to reach out to Aleriom, we'll be happy to help you.