Is it Better to Get a Root Canal or Pull the Tooth?

When you are facing a damaged or infected tooth, deciding whether to save it or remove it is a significant choice for your long-term oral health. At our clinic, we always prioritize saving your natural smile with the least invasive solution possible, which typically means recommending Root Canals over Extractions whenever the tooth has sufficient healthy structure.

Comparing Your Options

Root Canal Therapy

• Preservation: Saves your natural tooth and maintains your bite and jawbone structure.
• Recovery: Typically shorter, with only 1–3 days of mild soreness.
• Process: Usually requires 1–2 visits for the procedure, followed by a crown to restore the tooth’s strength.
• Cost: While the upfront cost for a root canal and crown is higher (often $1,800–$3,500 total), it is a long-term investment in your natural anatomy.

Tooth Extraction

• Preservation: The tooth is removed entirely.
• Recovery: A longer process involving tooth extraction healing stages that include clot formation and bone remodeling over weeks or months.
• Process: A single visit for the removal, but it often necessitates follow-up procedures like Dental Implants or bridges to prevent bone loss and shifting teeth.
• Cost: The extraction itself is less expensive ($150–$400), but replacing the missing tooth with an implant and crown can eventually total $3,000–$5,000.

Making the Best Choice

Root canal therapy is generally the preferred path when the tooth can be saved. However, an extraction may be necessary if the tooth is severely damaged or if previous treatments have failed. Our team promises a friendly and accommodating experience as we evaluate your unique situation using advanced digital imaging to guide you toward the right decision.

Results may vary. Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment advice. Treatment outcomes are not guaranteed and depend on individual circumstances.

• Root Canal vs Extraction: Complete Comparison Guide