Root Canal Vs. Tooth Extraction: When to save & When to Pull

A common question among many dental patients is whether they should save a tooth or have it pulled, and so Dentistry in Streetsville in Mississauga explains what factors go into choosing between having a root canal or an extraction.

It’s to the benefit of any dental patient to understand the choices they have as they pertain to dental work. Naturally, it’s to the patient’s advantage to make the best, most informed choice, because that choice can impact other aspects of their smile and possibly require additional dental procedures.

It’s generally considered best to keep your natural teeth. But various factors will come into making the decision.

A root canal - or, more accurately, a root canal treatment or root canal therapy - is a required dental procedure for when the soft inner tissue of the tooth, the pulp, is inflamed or infected. This can occur because of decay, when a tooth becomes chipped, cracked or otherwise injured, or even on account of continual dental procedures to that tooth. A root canal treatment is very often a workable and even practical method of saving a tooth and preventing tooth extraction. 

A root canal treatment involves removing the inner damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the remaining tooth, and then filling in and sealing that tooth. The term “root canal” is derived from the cleaning of the root canals within the tooth. The reason for saving a tooth by way of a root canal treatment is that na atural tooth still offers benefits in your mouth. For example, it can help anchor other neighbouring teeth, and it might also be required for setting a bridge, where an artificial tooth is fastened between two natural teeth.

It does, however, happen that in some cases a tooth cannot be saved. Severe fractures or deep, extensive cavities that prevent the tooth from being saved can result in our recommendation to extract that severely damaged tooth. For instance, a tooth that has a crack that extends well below the gum line often requires extraction.

We always explain to you the pros and cons regarding the choices of having a tooth extracted or opting for the root canal treatment in your particular case. The available options and making the right choice will depend on a number of factors specific to you. Even in the case of extractions, new modern strides in dentistry have made it possible to proceed with tooth implants - a dental procedure for securing replacement teeth.

To ensure your teeth are healthy now and for years to come, make an appointment with Dentistry in Streetsville. Our clinic offers an extensive range of dental services specific to the needs of every member of the family.

Contact us at Dentistry in Streetsville by calling 905-821-8221 or emailing reception@dentistryinstreetsville.com. Dentistry in Streetsville is located at 100 Queen Street South, Suite 101, in Mississauga, Ontario. Also, visit us on Facebook and Instagram at DentistryInStreetsville.