Extraction vs Root Canal

We have patients that come to us with broken down, infected teeth that are presented with a difficult option of pursuing a root canal to save the tooth or having it extracted.  Sometimes it's an easy decision to make.  But every situation is different, and some can be more challenging than others.  Hopefully the recommendations in this post can help make the decision a little more clear.

How much tooth is left?
The more tooth structure that is left, the better.  After a root canal is performed, the tooth will need a crown.  The more tooth structure above the gum line, the more we have to work with for the new crown.  We need at least 2 mm of tooth above the gums.

Where is the tooth located?
Pulling a tooth that is highly visible may effect the aesthetic appearance once the tooth is removed.  More consideration will be given to saving the tooth if possible when the tooth affects your smile.

Is the tooth able to chew?
Does the tooth in question chew against another tooth?  If not, saving the tooth may not be worth the cost.  If the tooth is pulled there is no risk of affecting your bite or chewing ability.  On the other hand if the tooth is an anchor for a bridge or a partial denture, we want to try our best to save that tooth.

What are some options for replacement?
There are three main options for replacing a missing tooth.  One is a partial denture.  One is a bridge.  And one is an implant.  All three have their pros and cons.  The best option is an implant.  It functions like a natural tooth, has the best odds for lasting a long, long time.  And it looks and feels like a natural tooth.  The next best option is a bridge.  It looks like a natural tooth, and it feels like a natural tooth while chewing.  The downside though is that bridges are harder to keep clean and they typically need to be replaced about every 15 years. The advantage of a partial denture is that they are the cheapest option.  The disadvantage is that they aren't as aesthetically pleasing as a bridge or implant and they need to be taken out every night.

If you are in need of endodontic treatment or replacing a missing tooth, contact us today!