When experiencing intense tooth pain or infection, your dentist may recommend one of two main treatments: a root canal or a tooth extraction. Both serve the same purpose: removing the source of infection and preserving your oral health. But how do you know which is right for you?
At Totally Teeth, we believe that informed patients make the best decisions for their long-term dental wellness. We’ll walk you through the root canal treatment procedure, explain when tooth extraction may be better, and explore dental implant and denture options following tooth extraction.
Understanding the Root Canal Treatment Procedure
A root canal treatment is a standard dental procedure to save a severely infected or decayed tooth. Rather than removing the entire tooth, the dentist removes the infected pulp inside the root canals, thoroughly cleans and disinfects the area, and seals the tooth to prevent further infection.
Long-Term Benefits of Root Canal:
- Preserves your natural tooth structure
- Maintains normal chewing function
- Prevents surrounding teeth from shifting
- Helps retain your facial shape and appearance
The root canal treatment procedure is often recommended when the tooth’s roots are still intact, and saving the tooth is possible and preferable.
When Tooth Extraction Is the Better Option
Tooth extraction involves removing the entire tooth from its socket. It’s typically recommended in cases of:
- Extensive tooth decay or trauma beyond repair
- Severe gum disease affecting the supporting bone
- Recurrent infections despite previous treatments
While tooth extraction is often seen as a more straightforward and quicker solution, it creates a gap that must be addressed with a restorative option to maintain oral health and function.
Each option has its merits, and the best choice often depends on your specific dental condition and long-term oral health goals.
Dental Implants: Replacing Missing Teeth with Confidence
It is crucial to restore the gap after a tooth is extracted. One of the most effective solutions is a dental implant. This involves placing a titanium post in the jawbone to act as an artificial root, with a natural-looking crown.
Benefits of Dental Implants After Extraction:
- Permanently replaces missing teeth
- Functions and feels like a natural tooth.
- Prevents bone loss in the jaw
- Supports neighbouring teeth and restores your smile
Dental implant procedures are often the preferred choice after extraction if you’re considering long-term stability and natural appearance.
Denture Options Following Tooth Extraction
Another common option is using dentures to replace missing teeth. Depending on how many teeth are removed, you may be a candidate for:
- Partial dentures – to replace one or several teeth
- Full dentures – if all teeth in an arch are removed
Advantages of Dentures:
- Restores appearance and function
- Allows for better chewing and speech
- Available in removable or implant-supported forms
At Totally Teeth, we offer a range of denture options following tooth extraction, tailored to meet your aesthetic and functional needs.
Making the Right Decision: What Should You Choose?
Deciding between a root canal treatment procedure and a tooth extraction depends on several key factors:
- Condition of the tooth – Can it be saved or beyond repair?
- Your overall dental health – Do you have gum disease or other complicating issues?
- Personal preference – Are you comfortable preserving your tooth or ready to replace it?
Choose a Root Canal If:
- You want to keep your natural tooth
- The roots are healthy and viable.
- You’re looking for a long-term solution with less follow-up treatment.
Choose Tooth Extraction If:
- The tooth is too damaged to restore
- You’re planning to replace the tooth with a dental implant.
- You prefer to avoid the root canal procedure due to personal reasons.
Why Trust Totally Teeth?
At Totally Teeth, our experienced dentists combine advanced dental technology with a patient-first approach. We ensure you understand every step of your treatment — whether it’s a root canal, extraction, or choosing dental implants or dentures.
What You Can Expect:
- Honest and expert advice tailored to your condition
- Pain-free treatment with modern techniques
- Supportive aftercare and guidance
- A smile that’s healthy, functional, and confident
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when deciding between a root canal and tooth extraction. Both have advantages; the right choice depends on your dental health, personal goals, and long-term preferences.
Need professional advice on your next step? Visit Totally Teeth for a comprehensive dental assessment and personalised treatment plan. Whether you need a root canal treatment procedure, are considering dental implants after extraction, or want to explore denture options, we’re here to help you smile confidently.
