FAQ’s for Deciding between a Root Canal or Extraction

Posted on: May 1, 2018

Root CanalExtractions typically address an infected tooth if it is one of your wisdom teeth, but root canals are often recommended for the rest of your teeth.

You will have to decide between a root canal and an extraction when a tooth has severe decay and infection. Either procedure can help stop the infection and any pain associated with it.

Q. Which is the cheaper procedure?

If your goal is to stop the persistent pain that comes with an infected tooth, the cheapest way to do that is with an extraction. Extractions are one of the cheapest procedures that dentists offer only when a tooth is beyond saving. You need all of your natural teeth with the exception of your wisdom teeth. When one goes missing, the others will begin to move towards the gap in an attempt to fill the hole. This will leave you with poorly-aligned teeth.

While an extraction might be the cheapest way to stop the pain, you will need to spend more money replacing the extracted tooth with an implant or other dental prosthetic. That process will cost you a lot more than getting a root canal and you do not get to keep your real tooth.

Q. Is a root canal more painful than an extraction?

While root canals have a bad reputation as a painful procedure, there actually is no pain during the procedure. The only thing that people might consider scary that takes place during the procedure is your dentist injecting you with a local anesthetic. That is a precaution since the nerves in the tooth are typically dead at the time of the procedure. There should be no feeling sensation there. The only thing you will feel during a root canal is pressure from your dentist working on the tooth and vibrations from some of the tools he/she uses.

Extractions are not particularly painful either since your dentist will give you shots of anesthetic to numb the nerves around the area before extracting the tooth. An extraction will leave the area feeling sore for about a week and you will likely deal with some pain. Your dentist will prescribe painkillers for you to take.

Q. Will my dentist recommend a treatment?

Absolutely. While it’s ultimately up to you to decide what course of treatment you want to go with, your dentist will share his/her professional opinion with you. There are many factors that your dentist will consider before making a recommendation. For example, if your infection is too severe to receive a root canal and antibiotics, your dentist might recommend an extraction instead even if it is not one of your wisdom teeth. Your dentist will also advise you on the best way to fill up the space created by the missing teeth.

Contact a dentist to find out more about root canals and tooth extractions.

Please call Dr. Call Dental Center today at (706) 425-6240 or go to https://drcalldental.com for more information!


Related Posts

February 2, 2019

How to Recover Quickly after a Root Canal

When people hear the word “Root Canal“ they feel a shiver down their spine. They dread it, think it is a nightmare and even avoid getting it because of common misconceptions. This stems from a …

March 3, 2022

The Importance of Oral Hygiene for Preventive Dentistry

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums relies heavily on preventive dentistry. Even though many treatments exist that can remove diseased tissue and repair damage, prioritizing good oral health can eliminate the need for …

December 15, 2016

Tips for Preventative Dental Care in Dalton

We provide preventative dental care in Dalton and can help you to have lifelong oral health.  There are steps that you can take for your health and the health of your family.  These steps include …

September 1, 2016

Preventing Sports Injuries with Preventive Dental Care for Kids in Dalton

When it comes to preventive dental care for kids in Dalton, we do it all.  Our focus is on keeping your children healthy now and as they get older.  Beginning from a very young age, …