When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, patients often face a critical decision—should they save it with a root canal or remove it through extraction? While both procedures eliminate pain and infection, a root canal is usually the better option for long-term dental health.
A root canal preserves the natural tooth, and prevents complications such as bone loss, shifting teeth, and the need for costly replacements like dental implants or bridges. On the other hand, extraction permanently removes the tooth, which can negatively impact your oral health and overall well-being.
Let us explore why a root canal is better than extraction, the long-term benefits of preserving your natural tooth, and the risks of not replacing an extracted tooth.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, but a fully developed tooth can function without it. The dentist cleans, disinfects, and seals the tooth during the procedure to prevent further infection. A filling or dental crown is then placed to restore the tooth’s strength and function.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Severe tooth pain, especially while chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swollen or tender gums near the affected tooth
- A dark or discolored tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums, which indicates an abscess
- Presence of pus or a foul smell in the mouth due to infection
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to severe infections, abscess formation, and potential tooth loss.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction involves the removal of a tooth from its socket due to severe infection, extensive decay, or structural damage beyond repair.
There are 2 types of extractions:
- Simple Extraction – The dentist loosens and removes the tooth using forceps.
- Surgical Extraction – An incision is made in the gum to remove the tooth, often necessary for impacted or broken teeth.
While extraction may seem like a quick solution, it has long-term consequences, including bone loss, shifting teeth, and difficulty chewing. Missing teeth often require replacements like implants or bridges, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Why Is a Root Canal Better Than Extraction?
- Saves Your Natural Tooth: Your natural teeth are designed to last a lifetime, and a root canal allows you to keep them. Extracting a tooth creates a gap, leading to bone loss, shifting of nearby teeth, and aesthetic concerns.
- Maintains Jawbone Health: When a tooth is removed, the jawbone in that area starts to shrink due to a lack of stimulation. This can cause facial sagging, difficulty chewing, and long-term oral health issues. A root canal prevents this by keeping the tooth and root structure intact.
- Eliminates the Need for Replacement Teeth: Extracted teeth often require replacements like implants, bridges, or dentures. These procedures are time-consuming and expensive. A root canal saves the tooth, eliminating the need for artificial replacements.
- Less Pain and Faster Healing: Many people believe root canals are painful, but modern techniques make them virtually painless. Tooth extractions, especially surgical ones, can cause more discomfort and require longer healing times.
- Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While extraction may seem cheaper upfront, replacing a missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture can be far more expensive. It is a one-time treatment that prevents additional costs.
- Prevents Teeth from Shifting: When a tooth is extracted, neighboring teeth can shift into the empty space, leading to bite problems and misalignment. A root canal keeps your natural tooth in place, preventing these issues.
- Maintains Natural Appearance and Functionality: A root canal restores your tooth and allows you to chew, speak, and smile confidently. A missing tooth affects your facial structure and makes eating more difficult. It allows you to keep your natural tooth for better aesthetics and function.
When Is Extraction a Better Option?
While root canals are the preferred treatment, there are some cases where extraction may be necessary, including:
- Severely broken teeth that cannot be restored
- Extensive decay or infection that has destroyed most of the tooth’s structure
- Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain, infection, or crowding
- Advanced periodontal disease that has weakened the tooth’s support system
If extraction is necessary, replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant or bridge is crucial to prevent further complications.
What Happens If You Extract a Tooth and Don’t Replace It?
If a tooth is removed and not replaced, several complications may arise:
- Bone loss in the jaw because of lack of stimulation
- Teeth shifting into the empty space, leading to misalignment
- Increased difficulty chewing and speaking properly
- Higher stress on remaining teeth, leading to wear and tear
- Changes in facial appearance, such as a sunken look
Replacing an extracted tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture helps maintain function and appearance while preventing further dental issues.
Save Your Natural Tooth with Root Canal Treatment
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity, a root canal can save your tooth and relieve discomfort without the need for extraction. Dr. Agarwal’s Dental Speciality Centre specializes in pain-free root canal treatments using advanced technology to ensure patient comfort.
Call +91 9335206034 to schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward preserving your natural smile!
FAQs
Is it better to have a tooth extraction or a root canal?
A root canal is usually the better choice because it preserves your natural tooth, maintains jawbone health, and prevents complications like shifting teeth and bone loss. Extraction often requires costly replacements like implants or bridges.
Why do dentists always recommend root canals?
Dentists prioritize saving natural teeth whenever possible. A root canal removes infection while keeping the tooth structure intact, preventing issues like bone loss and misalignment.
What happens if I delay a root canal and opt for extraction later?
Delaying a root canal allows infection to spread, leading to severe pain, swelling, and potential tooth loss. A delayed extraction may also require additional procedures, such as bone grafting.
Does a root canal make the tooth weaker?
A root canal-treated tooth can become more brittle, but placing a crown restores strength and durability, ensuring long-term function.
