When a tooth becomes infected or severely damaged, you face a tough decision. Your dentist might recommend either a root canal or extraction. Understanding root canal vs extraction helps you make the right choice for your tooth and your health. If you are looking for root canal therapy in SW Calgary, this guide explains both options so you can decide which is better for your situation.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure to save an infected tooth.
Inside your tooth is a space called the pulp chamber. This contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria get inside, they cause infection and severe pain.
A root canal removes the infected pulp. A dentist near you cleans the space thoroughly and seals it with special material. The tooth is saved, and you can keep it.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Extraction is the removal of the entire tooth. Your dentist pulls the tooth out, and the space is left empty.
An empty space causes problems. Your other teeth shift into the gap. Your bite changes. You need to replace the tooth with a denture, bridge, or implant.
Reasons for Root Canal Treatment
The reasons for root canal treatment include many situations where saving the tooth makes sense.
A tooth with a deep cavity can be saved with a root canal. The infection is removed, and the tooth is restored.
A tooth with an abscess, a pocket of infection, can often be saved. The root canal removes the source of infection.
A cracked tooth that reaches the pulp can be treated with a root canal. Saving the tooth is better than losing it.
A tooth injured in an accident can often be saved. Quick root canal treatment preserves the tooth.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
The benefits of Root Canal Treatment make it the preferred choice when possible.
Your natural tooth is saved. Nothing is better than keeping your natural tooth. Your natural tooth is stronger and works better than any replacement.
You avoid the complications of a missing tooth. Shifting teeth, bite problems, and jawbone loss do not happen.
Root canals cost less than tooth replacement. A root canal, filling, and crown cost less than an implant or bridge.
Treatment is often done in one to two visits. You get relief quickly and can return to normal eating.
When Extraction Becomes Necessary
Sometimes extraction is the only choice. Knowing tooth extraction vs root canal can help you make an informed decision.
A tooth that is severely cracked below the gumline cannot be saved. Extraction is the only option.
A tooth with severe bone loss around it may be too unstable to save. Extraction prevents further problems.
A tooth with multiple failed root canals cannot be saved again. Extraction prevents ongoing problems.
Comparing the Options
At a dentist in SW Calgary, your dentist recommends what is best for your specific tooth.
A root canal keeps your natural tooth. Extraction removes it completely.
Root canal costs less upfront. Extraction costs less initially, but replacement costs more later.
Root canals have high success rates. Extraction has guaranteed results but creates new problems.
A root canal requires one to two visits. Extraction requires one visit, but tooth replacement takes longer.
Making Your Decision
Root canal therapy in SW Calgary is usually the better choice when possible. Keeping your natural tooth is always preferable to losing it.
However, your specific situation matters. An infected tooth that cannot be saved needs extraction. A severely damaged tooth may require extraction.
Your dentist examines your tooth thoroughly. They explain whether root canal or extraction is best based on what they find.
Saving Your Tooth Is Worth It
Your natural teeth are irreplaceable. Root canal treatment saves your tooth and keeps your smile healthy.
The experienced team at West Calgary Dental Group performs root canals carefully and with precision. We save teeth whenever possible and will explain all your options. Book your root canal consultation with us to take the first step to saving your tooth!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
No, your tooth is numbed before the procedure. You feel no pain during treatment. You might feel slight pressure, but not pain.
Which is less expensive: tooth extraction or root canal?
Root canals are more expensive up front. But in the long run, extraction actually costs more when you include the cost of tooth replacement. Root canal is typically the more affordable option.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are done in one to two hours. Certain complicated cases might need two appointments. Your dentist walks you through your timeline.
Can a tooth be saved after years of problems?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Even if a tooth had problems before, a new root canal can often save it. Your dentist evaluates your specific situation.
What happens after extraction if I don’t replace the tooth?
Your other teeth shift. Your bite changes. Your jawbone shrinks. Your face shape changes. Tooth replacement prevents these problems.
