Root Canals vs. Extractions: Why Saving Your Tooth Is Best

Understanding Your Best Option for Long-Term Oral Health

When a tooth becomes severely decayed or infected, patients often face a difficult choice: root canal therapy or tooth extraction. While both treatments can address pain and stop infection, they have very different outcomes for your future dental health.

At Aleris Salem Dental Center, we educate our patients on the benefits of each option—but more often than not, saving your tooth with a root canal is the healthier, longer-lasting solution.

What’s the Difference Between a Root Canal and an Extraction?

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal involves removing the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent future infection. A crown is usually placed afterward for strength and durability.

Tooth Extraction

Extraction is the complete removal of a tooth from the socket. While sometimes necessary, it leaves a gap that can lead to bone loss and shifting teeth unless replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or denture.

Why Root Canals Are Often the Better Choice

Choosing a root canal over extraction can offer significant advantages. Here’s why saving your natural tooth is usually the better route:

1. Preserve Natural Function

• Your original tooth is uniquely suited to your bite and jaw alignment.

• Natural teeth provide the most effective chewing and speaking ability.

2. Prevent Bone Loss

• When a tooth is extracted, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate over time.

• A root canal keeps your natural tooth root in place, preserving bone density and facial structure.

3. Avoid Shifting Teeth

• Gaps from missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to drift out of alignment.

• This can lead to bite problems, TMJ issues, or the need for orthodontic treatment.

4. Lower Long-Term Cost

• A root canal with a crown is often more cost-effective long-term than extraction followed by a dental implant or bridge.

• You avoid additional treatments and potential complications.

5. Minimize Future Dental Work

• Replacing a tooth requires extensive planning and multiple procedures.

• Saving your tooth simplifies your dental future and reduces the risk of adjacent teeth needing treatment.

When Is Extraction Necessary?

While root canals are often preferred, there are situations where tooth extraction may be the best or only option:

• Severe fractures that reach below the gum line

• Extreme bone loss due to advanced gum disease

• Non-restorable teeth with recurring infections

• Financial or medical limitations that rule out root canal therapy

In such cases, our Salem dental team will discuss suitable replacement options, such as dental implants, to restore your smile and function.

What to Expect with a Root Canal at Aleris Salem Dental Center

Many patients fear root canals due to outdated misconceptions. The truth? Modern root canal therapy is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

At Aleris Salem Dental Center, we ensure:

• Comfortable, pain-managed treatment

• Advanced imaging for precise diagnosis

• Thorough cleaning and sealing to eliminate infection

• Custom crowns that restore aesthetics and function

Most patients return to normal activities the very next day—and enjoy a restored tooth that can last a lifetime.

Restoring a Tooth After Root Canal vs. Extraction

After a root canal, a crown is typically placed to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure. This restoration can look and feel just like your natural tooth.

After an extraction, you may need:

• A dental implant, which involves surgery and several months of healing

• A fixed bridge, which relies on adjacent teeth for support

• A partial denture, which may be removable and less stable

These solutions are effective—but they often involve higher costs, longer timelines, and more upkeep than saving your original tooth.

Prioritizing Long-Term Oral Health

Your mouth works best with all your natural teeth in place. That’s why tooth preservation is central to good dentistry.

Saving your tooth helps:

• Maintain jaw strength and facial appearance

• Prevent future dental complications

• Support better nutrition and overall health

Root canals are safe, reliable, and supported by decades of success in restoring dental health.

When in Doubt, Save the Tooth

While tooth extraction is sometimes necessary, it should generally be the last resort. Whenever possible, root canal therapy offers a healthier, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective solution.

If you’re experiencing dental pain or suspect an infection, don’t wait. Early intervention could save your tooth—and your smile.

👉 Call Aleris Salem Dental Center today at (855) 745-0055 or book your consultation online. Our caring team will guide you through your options and help you make the best decision for your health.