When Do You Need a Root Canal?

The signs that you might need a root canal are often similar to the signs that you may need to have a tooth extracted. Both treatments result from a serious infection or damage to the tooth’s pulp. Until you are seen by an endodontist (a dentist specializing in root canals and treating diseases and infections of the tooth pulp), it can be almost impossible to know whether a root canal or an extraction is the right choice.

Root Canal vs. Extraction

A root canal removes the pulp and any infected or inflamed tissue inside the tooth, disinfects the empty canals, and seals the tooth. We usually protect it with a crown for added strength and durability. You can keep your natural tooth, and you can typically keep it for years after a root canal. Recovery is relatively quick.

However, a root canal costs more than an extraction and may not be an option if your tooth is cracked below the gum line or so damaged that we cannot restore it. Some root canals need retreatment at a later date, which can be expensive and troublesome.

Compared to a root canal, an extraction is simpler. The entire tooth is removed from its socket, eliminating the source of the infection or disease. The cost is lower than a root canal and crown, and can be a quick solution if you are in severe pain or the infection has spread.

Disadvantages of tooth extraction include a gap between the remaining teeth, which can affect your chewing, appearance, and speech. Even a single missing tooth can trigger the shifting of adjacent teeth, unless it is replaced with a bridge or implant, which is expensive and time-consuming. The jawbone will also shrink around the space, changing your facial structure.

When an Extraction May Be Necessary

If your tooth’s root is cracked below the gum line, there may be no way to seal the crack and protect the tooth’s interior, making it susceptible to reinfection. A severely decayed tooth may not have enough structure left to remain functional and exert sufficient bite force, even with a crown protecting it. In these situations, extraction may be necessary. For some individuals, it may be a budget decision. If a root canal is outside of your budget, removing the tooth may be the only way to protect your gums, jaw, and remaining teeth from further infection or damage.

Why We Try to Save Your Tooth With a Root Canal

If a tooth is at all restorable, we will encourage you to pursue a root canal vs. a tooth extraction. The advantages far outweigh any downsides. Keeping your tooth allows you to maintain your natural bite and chewing function. You do not have to go through an adjustment period learning how to wear and use a bridge or go through invasive surgery and months of recovery for dental implant restorations.

But the main reason we try to save your tooth with a root canal is that it is almost always better for your oral health in the long term to retain your natural tooth. It keeps your teeth properly aligned, preserves your smile, stimulates your jawbone so that it doesn’t lose bone density, and doesn’t affect your bite.

Why Choose Us?

The endodontists at Root 66 Endo have been relieving pain and saving teeth for residents of Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, and Apple Valley since 2007. Our goals are two-fold: relieving your pain as quickly and effectively as possible and saving your damaged tooth by utilizing the latest technologies and techniques for both surgical and non-surgical interventions. Our endodontists have over 60 years of combined experience and work closely with area dentists who design and place customized crowns following successful root canal treatments, ensuring a smooth process and optimal results.

If you have severe tooth pain or suspect you need a root canal, please call Root 66 Endodontics at Rancho Cucamonga Phone Number (909) 989-0899 for an evaluation and quick relief of pain.