Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?

Over 10% of Canadians have pain in their mouths. It's a prevalent but undertreated dental problem. It's more than an annoyance; it's an emergency.

1% of all emergency room visits in Canada come from tooth pain. The facilities don't have the necessary resources to handle them. This can lead to deadly conditions such as septicemia.

Visit an emergency dentist in Woodbridge to find a better solution. Please read our guide to compare a root canal vs. a tooth extraction.

Procedure

A root canal is a form of restorative dentistry. An endodontist removes the tooth's infected inner layer, known as the pulp. The tooth's interior is then cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection.

It's all performed under local anesthesia. An endodontist, a professional specializing in conditions that affect the pulp of teeth, will complete the procedure.

A tooth extraction is a specialized service and a form of emergency dental care. It removes the damaged or infected tooth from its socket. It's also performed under local anesthesia by a dental surgeon or periodontist.

A root canal treats the problem and gives you a healed natural tooth to cover. An extraction leaves a hole to fill.

Recovery

Root canals have a reputation for being the world's most painful dental procedure, but that's unfounded, thanks to modern techniques.

Studies show that up to 60% of the 10,000 dentists in Ontario use sedation to relax patients. The average emergency dentist in Woodbridge will be among them.

Your mouth may be sensitive for a few days after a root canal, and there is a risk of infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers and antibiotics prevent this.

You'll also have to return for a follow-up visit. The temporary filling needs to be replaced with a crown or filling to prevent future damage.

Extraction also involves sedation, but the recovery is longer and more painful. You may need gauze to stop bleeding and ice to reduce swelling. You'll also require follow-up visits to get a bridge, denture, or implant.

Cost

The cost of a root canal ranges from $500-$1,000. The cost of an extraction averages $200.

When comparing the cost of a root canal vs tooth extraction, you need to consider the long-term. Getting an extraction means paying for expensive implants, crowns, or bridges to fill the empty space.

Risks

A root canal can leave you open to future infections if the endodontist can't remove all the bacteria from the pulp. Your teeth will also be weaker to fractures unless you get a high-quality crown.

The risks of extractions are more serious. Bones that once supported the tooth may lose volume and mass. Adjacent teeth may drift out of place and affect your bite. You'll also have an increased risk of infection or future tooth loss.

Seeing the right Woodbridge dentists decreases your risk no matter which option you choose. They should explain the possible side effects of each procedure to help you make the right choice.

Finding an Emergency Dentist in Woodbridge

Pain in your mouth is a dental emergency most often caused by a decayed tooth. If it's too damaged, it may need to be extracted. Removing the infected pulp with a root canal may save it.

Recovery from root canals is quicker. It has a higher initial cost but is more affordable in the long term. It also leaves your mouth less open to infection and drifting.

An emergency dentist in Woodbridge can help you choose the right procedure. Schedule an appointment with Woodbridge Smile Center today.