Is your tooth’s nerve severely damaged or infected, and you are looking for treatment options? Well, modern dentistry provides two options: root canal vs extraction. Both these treatments aim to address infection and alleviate pain, but they differ significantly in their approach.
Keep on reading to find out “Root canal vs extraction: Which is better for you?
What is a Root Canal?
Treatment Length
Invisalign
As short as 6 months, with an average of 12 to 18
Braces
Average of 12 to 24 or more, depending on the type and severity of malocclusion
Can treatment be expedited?
Invisalign
Wear aligners for 20+hours a day, keep teeth and aligners clean, visit the dentist regularly to monitor progress
Braces
Visit the clinic as directed for adjustments, keep teeth and brackets/wires clean and free of plaque, avoid habits that could increase treatment time
Cleaning
Invisalign
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently scrub aligners
Braces
Use an interdental toothbrush and water flosser to remove plaque and bacteria from around brackets and wires
Maintenance
Invisalign
Keep teeth and aligners clean for best results
Braces
Keep teeth and brackets/wires clean for best results
Removable?
Invisalign
Yes, aligners are designed to be removed while eating/drinking and while brushing/flossing teeth
Braces
No, traditional braces cannot be removed until treatment is complete, and the dentist is the only one that should remove them
Visits to dental clinic
Invisalign
Periodically, you need to visit the dental clinic to monitor your progress
Braces
Yes, you will need to visit the clinic every few weeks as teeth shift for adjustments
How much does it cost?
Invisalign
Starts at approximately $1,500 for up to 5 aligners and goes up to around $8,000 for unlimited aligners
Braces
Costs an average of $3,000 to $5,000+, depending on several factors
Benefits
Invisalign
Virtually invisible
Comfortable
Convenient
Braces
Does not require compliance- once braces are attached, they are not removable except by the dentist upon completion of treatment
Ideal for
Invisalign
Mild to moderate malocclusions, can be used for more severe along with attachments, depending on the type of malocclusion
Braces
Mild to severe malocclusions
It is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is decayed or infected. During this root canal procedure, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the tooth, and then seals it to avoid infection. This helps to relieve pain, restore the tooth’s function, and avoid the need for extraction. One of the benefits of a root canal is its ability to preserve your natural tooth, avoiding the need for more extensive and costly restorative procedures like bridges or implants to replace the tooth.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
It is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. Tooth extractions may be necessary for various reasons, such as severe decay, infection, crowding, or damage beyond repair due to trauma. The dentist or oral surgeon begins the procedure by numbing the area around the tooth with local anesthesia. They then carefully loosen the tooth from its socket and gently remove it.
Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction: Understanding the Differences
Aspect | Root Canal Treatment | Tooth Extraction |
Procedure | It involves numbing, making an opening, removing diseased pulp, cleaning, and filling with gutta-percha, and may require multiple visits | Numbing, loosening with an elevator, extraction with forceps, minimal discomfort typically |
Preservation of Tooth | Preserves natural tooth structure, integrity, and functionality; avoids the need for replacement options | Results in natural tooth loss may require consideration of replacement options. |
Healing Time | Varies, discomfort usually subsides within days; follow-up visits for monitoring may be needed. | Typically, it takes around two weeks for healing; light bleeding swelling is normal for about 24 hours. |
Post-Procedure Discomfort | Managed with OTC painkillers; severe pain warrants dental consultation | Minimal discomfort during the procedure; clotting, ice packs to reduce swelling |
Long-Term Dental Health | Preserves natural tooth, prevents shifting misalignment, reduces risk of bone loss | May require replacement options to maintain oral health and prevent issues associated with tooth loss |
Cost | The average cost ranges from $700 to $1,200 per tooth | Simple extraction: $75 to $300; Surgical extraction: $150 to $650; Costs may vary based on complexity and location |
Aesthetic Considerations | Maintains natural appearance; may involve crown placement for added strength and aesthetics. | Results in tooth loss, aesthetic concerns; replacement options may be needed for appearance and oral function maintenance |
Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction: What to Choose?
Your dentist will guide you toward the best procedure for your specific dental needs. Typically, dentists prefer saving natural teeth whenever possible instead of opting for extraction immediately. Therefore, unless the tooth is severely damaged beyond repair, they will likely recommend a preservation procedure like a root canal. Although root canals may seem more expensive than extractions, preserving a healthy tooth is usually smarter for your oral health in the long run.
When is it better to choose a root canal instead of extraction?
Dentists often advise going for root canals to save your natural tooth. But root canal vs extraction: which is better? Apart from keeping your smile intact and ensuring normal tooth functions like chewing and speaking, tooth extraction can have noticeable effects on your appearance. When a tooth is extracted, it exposes the underlying jawbone to potential decay. Additionally, nearby teeth may start shifting towards the empty space, causing changes in your jawline in as little as six months, which can make you appear older than your actual age.
Conclusion
When deciding between root canal vs extraction, several factors come into play, including the tooth’s condition, your oral health goals, and personal preferences. Root canals aim to save natural teeth, while extractions are considered when preservation is not possible. It is important to consult with a trusted dental professional for personalized guidance suited to your specific needs.
Ready to make an informed decision about your dental health? Book an appointment online at Avery Dental Center, Dublin, Ohio. For new patients, take the first step by calling 614-683-9557, while our valued current patients can reach us at 614-789-9000. Let’s transform your dental health journey together!
FAQ
Root Canal vs Extraction: Which procedure is less painful?
Root canals are generally less painful than extractions. With modern anesthesia and techniques, root canals are often comparable to getting a dental filling.
Root Canal vs Extraction: How long does each procedure take to complete?
A root canal typically takes one to two visits, each lasting about 60-90 minutes. On the other hand, a tooth extraction usually takes a single appointment lasting about 20-40 minutes.
What are the long-term effects on oral health?
A root canal preserves the natural tooth structure, maintaining jawbone health and preventing adjacent teeth from shifting. In contrast, extraction may lead to changes in jaw structure over time and may require replacement options like dental implants or bridges.
