Root Canal or Extraction FAQ’s

When it comes to dealing with an infected tooth, there are typically two options, getting a root canal or having the tooth extracted. There are many things to consider when considering the two.

Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions when it comes to dealing with infected teeth.

Which is cheaper?

Root canals are one of the more expensive dental procedures while tooth extractions are one of the cheaper treatments dentists perform. However, having a missing tooth brings some complications, and you will probably end up spending more than it takes to perform a root canal if you want to avoid bone tissue loss.

Is getting a root canal better than having a tooth extraction?

The answer to that question depends on which tooth is getting extracted. For most of your teeth, the answer is 'yes.' The answer is 'no' if you're talking about your wisdom teeth. This is because you're wisdom teeth aren't necessary. They are more likely to cause issues with other teeth, so dentists often recommend that you have all four removed even if they are in good condition. Therefore, when one of your wisdom teeth is infected, the best solution is to simply remove it since that's the cheaper option.

The rest of your teeth are important for healthy teeth and jaw function, so removing them is always a last resort. Having a missing tooth isn't good for your oral health, so if you have a tooth removed because of an infection, you will have to replace it with an implant to prevent bone tissue loss or use cosmetic dentistry to conceal the gap. Simply getting a root canal is a lot more straightforward and cheaper.

Which is more painful?

Root canals are painless procedures, while a tooth extraction can leave the area that's operated on feeling sore for weeks. Dentists typically apply local anesthetic during both procedures, so you don't feel much besides pressure being applied to your tooth and vibrations.

Which takes longer to recover from?

Tooth extractions certainly take more time to recover from than root canals. That's because the entire tooth and its root are removed during the procedure. That means you'll need to take things easy for a week or so until that part of your mouth is no longer tender.

With root canals, you're free to carry on like you normally do once the procedure is complete. Of course, you want to avoid putting any unnecessary stress on the newly repaired tooth, so avoid biting on hard things like your nails or candy.

Will I be given an anesthetic?

You are typically given an anesthetic during each procedure, but root canals can be performed without anesthetics. That's because the nerve and pulp of the infected tooth are already dead when the procedure is being performed, so you won't have any sensation there.

An extraction would be a rather uncomfortable event if an anesthetic isn't applied. That's because your dentist has to cut some gum tissue and bone tissue to get the tooth and its root out.

Want to know more about root canals and extractions? Contact Queens Family Dental today!

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Queens Family Dental, request an appointment in our Astoria dental office here: https://www.queensfamilydental.com. Or call us at (718) 690-9597.