Are you in a dilemma where you don’t know what procedure to choose from – root canal or tooth extraction? Many people wonder what the difference between these two procedures is, given that they are very similar and can both be used to treat infected or damaged teeth. This article will teach you all you need to know about both procedures, including their advantages and disadvantages and will guide you to make an informed decision.
Tooth extraction explained
Tooth extraction is a procedure that involves the complete removal of a tooth from your mouth. It means you will lose a tooth, but it also means that the source of the infection and pain will be removed. Once your tooth is removed, there is no going back.
Tooth extraction procedure
Tooth extractions are usually performed under local anesthesia, though your dentist may also use sedation or general anesthesia. Your dentist will first make sure the tooth and the area around it are numb before they start removing the tooth. During this procedure, you should not feel any pain, but you may feel some pressure and push.
Root canal treatment explained
This procedure is also known as root filling, and unlike tooth extraction, its goal is to retain your tooth. Your tooth has a canal running from top to bottom that needs to be cleaned, widened, and then filled. In this procedure, a filling is used to fill your tooth from the crown to its root under the gum line in order to seal the tooth.
Root canal procedure
There are two stages in root canal treatment that determine its success. In the first stage, the root canal (which is the tube that houses the nerve and blood vessels) will be disinfected. This step is necessary because the canal will probably be infected or harboring bacteria; this is what necessitated the treatment in the first place. The bacteria must be removed to ensure no infection remains. Your dentist will do this by widening the canal and rinsing it with disinfectant.
How much time do the procedures take?
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Root canal treatment
Root canal procedures generally take more time than tooth extractions. They require precision and must follow specific steps to be successful. For a simple root canal on a front tooth, the minimum time is about 30 minutes, but the molars are more complicated and can take several hours.
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Tooth extraction
Tooth extractions do not take as much time as root canals; they can even take less than 5 minutes. If you are nervous and would rather not spend a lot of time on the chair, then you may want to opt for tooth extractions.
Read also : Exploring your options After tooth extraction
How successful are the procedures?
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Root canal treatment
There is no guarantee that your root canal treatment will be successful. The likelihood of the success of the procedure decreases the further back the tooth due to the increased number of canals and more difficult access. You may spend 1-2 hours on a root canal treatment only for it to fail.
When the procedure fails, you will experience intense pain and swelling. This is an unpleasant experience, so it is better to go to a good dentist with years of experience and a high success rate. Also, if the first attempt fails, the second has an even lower chance of succeeding, and you may be left with the option of tooth extraction.
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Tooth extraction
Tooth Extractions are generally more predictable and successful. You should know that there are risks involved, like breakage of the tooth, which make the procedure more complicated. Sometimes, drilling or making a cut in the gum is necessary to remove the tooth. However, most times, the tooth can be removed at once without any complications after treatment, so long as you follow aftercare guidelines.
The most significant disadvantage of tooth extraction is the irreversible loss of your tooth, with no opportunity to change your mind once it’s removed.
How expensive are the procedures?
Specialist root fillings can cost between £300 and £1000, depending on how complex the procedure is. Keep in mind that a crown may be necessary after a root canal. It can cost an additional £250 to £1000.
On the other hand, tooth extractions range from £150 to £500, depending on the difficulty of the procedure. They are generally cheaper.
Which should you go for?
You should consider the following as you make your decision:
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How severe is the infection or decay?
If the decay or infection is very severe, you may be asked to opt for a tooth extraction. On the other hand, if the infection or decay is not too far gone, a root canal may work.
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How much of the tooth is affected?
If the tooth isn’t affected significantly, you may be able to get a root canal treatment to save it. On the flip side, if most or all of the tooth has been compromised, a tooth extraction might be your best option.
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Does the tooth have an exposed nerve?
If the tooth does have an exposed nerve, root canal treatment may not work. This is because an exposed nerve usually means that the pulp has been irreparably damaged and cannot heal on its own. In this case, extracting the tooth is best.
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How much money and time can you spend on the procedure?
Root canal treatment is typically more expensive and time-consuming than a tooth extraction.
If you think extracting the tooth and filling the space would be simpler, you should think about that again. Modern tooth replacement options are effective, but nothing can match the quality of your natural tooth. If a root canal fails and tooth extraction becomes necessary, you can then consider replacement options. Also, you might choose not to replace the extracted tooth if the gap doesn’t affect you aesthetically or functionally.
In the end, the best decision for your oral health will depend on your unique circumstances. Whether you opt for a root canal or tooth extraction, it’s important that you make a decision as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away; it will only worsen it. If you are still unsure which option is right for you, you should talk to a dentist. Book a consultation with us now. We will help you make a decision that is in your best interest.
