When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, the conversation often comes down to two options: save the tooth with a root canal, or remove it with an extraction. Here is how to think through this decision.
Why Saving the Tooth Is Almost Always Preferable
Your natural teeth are irreplaceable. They maintain the structure of your jaw, preserve adjacent teeth, and provide the most natural chewing function. When a tooth can be saved, saving it is almost always the better long-term choice. A root canal removes the infected pulp inside the tooth, seals the root, and is typically followed by a crown. The tooth functions normally afterward — often for decades.
When Extraction May Be Necessary
Some situations make extraction the more appropriate choice: teeth with insufficient structure to support a crown, severely fractured roots below the gumline, teeth with advanced bone loss from periodontal disease, or cases where the cost of saving the tooth cannot be justified by its long-term prognosis. An extraction is sometimes also the necessary first step if the patient plans to eventually receive a dental implant and bone grafting is needed.
The Real Cost Comparison
Patients sometimes choose extraction because it appears cheaper — but this comparison is misleading. An extraction creates a gap that should be filled to prevent adjacent teeth from drifting and bone loss from occurring. Replacing the tooth with an implant and crown can cost significantly more than a root canal and crown on the existing tooth. A bridge is less expensive but requires preparing adjacent teeth. Leaving the space empty is never a good long-term solution.
What Your Dentist Considers
Your dentist evaluates the restorability of the tooth, the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissue, your overall dental health, and your goals for your smile. At Smileworks Dental in Calgary, we take the time to present all options clearly and give you an honest recommendation for your specific situation. Contact us to discuss your options.