Picking Procedures: Do I Need a Root Canal or An Extraction?

Do you have a damaged or decayed tooth giving you a hard time? Wounded teeth can hurt when you try to eat, speak, or grin normally. Plus, they increase your vulnerability to infections or additional injuries the longer they go unaddressed.

Your dentist offers different treatments to alleviate the ache and address the underlying issue, like root canals and extractions, but how do you know which is best for you? Continue reading to learn more about both options to make an informed decision regarding the future of your smile.

What is a Root Canal?

Disease is a common culprit behind toothaches. If bacteria penetrate the enamel and enter the roots, they can infect and inflame the tender nerves and pulp inside. This can cause throbbing that doesn’t subside without professional intervention.

Root canals are the go-to treatment to provide some much-needed relief. For this procedure, your provider will first numb the area with a local anesthetic to stop your teeth from sending pain signals to your brain. Then, they’ll carefully create a small opening in your enamel and use specially designed instruments to clear out the injured materials.

Finally, they’ll sanitize your troublesome tooth before sealing it closed and providing a dental crown to protect it from additional harm while restoring its functionality.

When are Root Canals Best?

This treatment allows your dentist to address the problem while preserving your dental health. They’re utilized when teeth are too damaged for a tooth-colored filling to repair them effectively, and so they’re a “last resort” before considering extraction.

However, removing teeth comes with additional risks that your provider might want to avoid. For instance, did you know that your jawbone starts to thin without a root in place to stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down? You can lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone mass within the first year of losing an adult tooth, which increases the likelihood of additional tooth loss.

When are Extractions Preferred?

Protecting and preserving your natural teeth is usually better for your oral health, but there are some circumstances in which removing a problematic tooth is a wiser choice. For example, if your tooth is too severe to be treated with a root canal, the only remaining option is to take it out because it can harm your dental health.

If the decay is left unaddressed, it can spread to your neighboring teeth, gums, or jawbone to cause additional problems. In these cases, extraction is required to safeguard your smile moving forward. Then, you must replace it sooner rather than later to prevent dental drifting to safeguard your grin.

If you’re struggling to decide between a root canal and an extraction, the best next step is to consult your dentist so they can suggest a solution based on your current dental condition.

Meet the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker has 10+ years of experience providing a comprehensive menu of services conveniently under one roof, including more complex procedures like root canals and extractions. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed his General Practice Residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Today, he takes the time to build relationships with patients to tailor treatment plans to meet their unique needs. Then, he utilizes state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (732) 223-9199.