Saving Your Tooth Is Worth It
When you’re in pain from an infected or damaged tooth, you want relief fast. But in that moment, it can be hard to know what the best long-term option is. Should you have the tooth removed altogether, or try to save it with a root canal? At Comfort Dental, we help patients weigh the pros and cons of each solution so they can feel confident about their decision.
Root canals and extractions are both common dental procedures, but they serve very different purposes. One preserves your natural tooth structure, and the other removes it entirely. While extraction might seem simpler or faster, a root canal can offer better outcomes for your oral health, function, and appearance over time.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment designed to save a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. During the procedure, your dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth, thoroughly cleans and disinfects the space, and fills it with a material to seal it off from future infection. Often, the tooth is then protected with a crown.
This procedure eliminates pain, stops the spread of infection, and preserves your natural tooth. Unlike an extraction, it allows you to continue using the tooth to chew, speak, and maintain your smile’s appearance.
Why Not Just Remove the Tooth?
Tooth extraction may seem like the fastest way to end dental pain, and sometimes it is the right call — especially in cases where the tooth is too damaged to be restored. However, removing a tooth comes with consequences. Missing teeth can affect how you chew, cause neighboring teeth to shift, and even lead to bone loss in your jaw. Here are some drawbacks of extracting a tooth:
- It creates a gap in your smile, which can affect your self-esteem
- Other teeth may move into the empty space, leading to bite problems
- It can cause jawbone deterioration over time due to lack of stimulation
- You may eventually need a replacement tooth, such as a bridge or implant
In contrast, a root canal helps you avoid these issues by keeping your natural tooth in place.
Benefits of Choosing a Root Canal
Preserving your natural tooth whenever possible is generally the preferred option in modern dentistry. Here’s why root canals are often the better choice:
- Maintain Your Natural Smile: A root canal keeps your tooth intact, so your smile continues to look and feel natural.
- Preserve Jawbone Health: Keeping the root of the tooth in your jaw helps maintain bone density and support.
- Better Chewing Function: Natural teeth provide the best bite force and chewing ability, which is difficult to replicate with artificial replacements.
- Fewer Future Treatments: Avoiding extraction means you won’t need a dental implant or bridge later on.
Many patients report feeling relief almost immediately after the root canal is completed. While the procedure has a reputation for being uncomfortable, advances in dental technology and anesthesia make it no more painful than getting a standard filling.
When Is Extraction the Better Option?
There are times when a root canal may not be possible. If a tooth is cracked below the gumline, has severe structural damage, or cannot be restored due to repeated treatments, extraction may be the best option. Some infections may also be too advanced to treat effectively with root canal therapy. Your Comfort Dental team will assess the condition of your tooth and discuss your goals and preferences before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
Once the root canal is complete, your dentist may place a crown on the tooth. This crown helps restore its strength and appearance, allowing you to bite and chew normally. The success rate of root canal treatment is very high, and most teeth that receive the procedure can last a lifetime with good care.
Aftercare is fairly simple. You’ll need to brush and floss regularly, attend your dental checkups, and avoid chewing hard foods with the treated tooth until your dentist says it’s fully healed. With proper maintenance, a tooth that has had a root canal can function just like any other tooth.
Long-Term Value
When you compare the cost and time involved in replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge, a root canal often comes out ahead. While root canals are not free of expense, they typically cost less than full tooth replacement, especially if the tooth is still restorable. Choosing to save your tooth now can save you money, time, and hassle later.
And beyond finances, there’s something else to consider: quality of life. Being able to eat your favorite foods, smile confidently, and speak clearly all matter. A root canal helps you maintain that level of comfort and functionality.
Trust Your Comfort Dental Dentist
If you’re experiencing dental pain or have been told you might need a root canal or extraction, we’re here to help. Our team will walk you through your options and make sure you understand the benefits and risks of each. You’ll never be rushed or pressured — just informed, supported, and treated with compassion. We believe in preserving natural smiles whenever possible. Let us help you make the decision that best supports your health, comfort, and confidence.