Choose Your Fighter – Root Canals VS. Tooth Extractions

Maybe you’re experiencing some dental discomfort and know what’s coming next, or maybe you’ve already received a treatment recommendation from your dentist. Either way, you know that your dentist’s preference is to preserve your tooth with a root canal. But you also know there’s technically a second option: tooth extraction. The thought of getting the whole thing over with and removing the troublemaking pearly white is pretty tempting.

If the pressure of making a decision is getting to you, don’t throw darts at a wall just yet! Here’s everything you need to know about these two treatments.

The Details of Tooth Extraction

Firstly, you’re not crazy for considering a tooth extraction. Severe dental pain is nothing to scoff at, and there are some valid reasons for separating a troubled tooth from the rest of your mouth, including:

• Impacted teeth
• Severe infection
• Dental crowding
• Severe damage
• Severe cavity

Note the common theme: severe. Tooth extraction is reserved for complex dental problems. Extracting a tooth can be traumatic for your mouth and jaw, and issues can become more pronounced as time goes on. Here’s a list of potential complications:

• Dry socket
• Shifting teeth
• Jawbone deterioration
• Reduced bite power

A tooth extraction might seem simple, but these complications can cause serious problems for your oral health, which will cause serious problems for your wallet as you try to fix them. In the long run, sparing your natural tooth is likely to save you time, effort, and money.

The Details of a Root Canal

Speaking of natural teeth, the main benefit of a root canal is that it allows you to preserve as much of your tooth as possible. This is generally preferred for several reasons:

• You’ll retain all of your bite power
• Your teeth aren’t as likely to shift
• You’ll avoid jawbone deterioration
• You won’t risk dry socket

Overall, the mere presence of a tooth can spare you from a lot of trouble down the road – including monetary trouble. If this surprises you, you’re not alone. Costs and discomfort are two of the biggest misconceptions surrounding this treatment.

• Misconception #1: Cost. Root canals might cost more money up front, but over time, they pay for themselves by sparing you from misalignment and restoration treatments.
• Misconception #2: Pain. Your dentist will numb the area around your infected pearly white. As far as pain goes, a dislodged blood clot is much worse.

Hopefully, knowing that these two “facts” are really just myths brings you some peace of mind. However, you still have a decision to make.

How Do I Decide Between a Root Canal and a Tooth Extraction?

Talk to your dentist! As a professional, your dentist is the only one who can give you an accurate assessment of your oral health and recommend the best-fit solution for you. So if they recommend a root canal, you should probably get a root canal. If they recommend an extraction, ask them about your replacement options. Whatever your treatment path, your dentist will be ready and willing to help you through every step of the process.

About the Practice

Drs. Drew Beaty and Brandon Walker believe that quality dental care includes making sure patients are comfortable and well-informed. They encourage you to contact them with any questions you may have about root canals and tooth extractions. Call 253-839-6544 to book a consultation or visit their website for more information.