Which Is Right for You?
Root Canal vs Extraction
Both options address a severely compromised tooth, but they differ in procedure, cost trajectory, time investment, and long-term oral function.
Root canal treatment preserves your natural tooth, maintains bone levels in that area, and avoids the gap and shifting issues that follow extraction. Most patients return to normal chewing within days of crown placement. The honest limitation is that the tooth becomes more brittle over time and requires crown protection; without it, fracture risk remains significant.
Extraction removes the problem entirely and costs less initially, but the space demands replacement with a bridge, implant, or partial denture to prevent neighboring teeth from tilting or opposing teeth from over-erupting. Implants involve surgery, several months of bone integration, and higher total expense than a well-done root canal with crown.
After clinical examination and any needed radiographs, the endodontist or dentist explains which option suits your specific tooth condition, bone support, and personal priorities.
