It’s the longest standing choice in the dental chair, whether to take the tooth out or save it (root canal)? What are the pros and cons of each and why would you need to make the decision in the first place?
Decision
When a tooth gets heavily broken down, starts giving pain or gets an infection a decision may need to be made on whether to save the tooth or whether to extract it. Most often this is due to pain associated with tooth decay, a deep filling or an infection.
Cost
The initial cost of a root canal is more expensive than simply removing the tooth (see our price list). This is due to the complex time-consuming nature of the treatment which usually takes two appointments. However, the long-term consequences of extracting a tooth and restoring the remaining gap in the mouth can be much more expensive. Gaps in the mouth are restored using a denture, bridge or implant. To learn more on these options check out our blog therefore, the short-term cost needs to be weighed against the long-term cost.
Time
Extracting a tooth is relatively quick and easy however some larger teeth might take a bit longer. Root canal does require more chair time but just like the cost issue restoring a gap in the mouth can require much more chair time. Procedures such as implants require careful planning and execution.
Root canal success rates vs extraction
The success rate of extracting a painful tooth at relieving pain is by nature 100% after a few days. Success rates of root canal treatment is more difficult to measure. After a few days of the initial root canal procedure the tooth should be pain-free however longer-term success rates come down to absence of pain, all the tooth remaining and no residual infection.
Dental Considerations
On larger teeth after having a root canal sometimes a crown is required to restore the tooth. This is required due to increased tooth removal and increased biting pressure on back teeth. This of course will add to the cost and time that a root canal treatment will take.
Leaving gaps in the mouth can lead to other teeth moving, rotating or over-erupting. This can lead to long term adverse consequences involving jaw ache, tooth decay and gum disease
The decision on whether to extract a tooth or do root canal can be a difficult and stressful one. If you need to talk through it don’t hesitate to contact us on 0214305569 info@shandondental.ie or https://www.shandondental.ie/contact-us/