Should I Save My Tooth Or Pull It?

By Ronald Taylor, DDS, MSD

Several factors like cost and remaining tooth structure are taken into consideration when deciding whether to extract or save a tooth with root canal treatment. A common misconception is that a good alternative to root canal treatment is extraction. The reality is that saving your natural teeth, when possible, is your best option. In fact, root canals and other procedures performed by endodontists can usually save even the most damaged teeth. With recent advances in endodontics, root canals are virtually painless.

Did You Know

In a recent survey, 76% of participants said they would prefer a root canal to tooth extraction.

Nearly a third would not sell a healthy front tooth for any amount of money.

Most people are not aware that root canal treatment is a viable alternative to extraction.

Older individuals are much more likely than younger individuals to have experienced a tooth extraction.

Women are more likely than men to have had a tooth extraction.

More than half (58%) of those who have had a tooth extracted did not replace it with anything; the remainder replaced the tooth with a bridge (17%), dentures (12%), or an implant (8%).

Although it is possible in some cases to replace an extracted tooth with an implant or bridgework, Americans have strong negative feelings about losing their teeth. Artificial teeth can limit your ability to chew certain foods necessary to maintaining a balanced diet. Not only will a root canal save your ability to enjoy all the foods you love, but it will save you money. Endodontic treatment, followed by the appropriate restoration (a crown placed over the tooth to protect it), is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant, the only alternatives to root canals.

Even better, root canals have a very high success rate, with many teeth lasting a lifetime. Placement of a bridge or an implant generally requires significantly more time in treatment and may result in further procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.

People are living longer and paying more attention to their health. They want to maintain a more natural smile and keep their teeth for as long as possible. Although extraction is sometimes necessary, it should be considered as a last resort. Nothing functions like your real teeth, so everything should be done to save them.