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When faced with a severely decaying tooth, the puzzle is whether to pursue root canal therapy, or extraction. The big issue to weigh is besides killing the pain, which of the two options is best for your long-term oral health?
At Partha Dental we appreciate that this can be heavy weighing, hence the writing of this article. So, today we’ll summarize the pros and cons of root canal treatment vs tooth extraction to help you best inform yourself with the help of your dentist.
What is Tooth Extraction and Root Canal Therapy?
1. What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a procedure that preserves your natural tooth. When your soft pulp tissue inside your tooth has a bacterial infection due to deep decay or trauma, the practitioner removes the diseased tissue, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and fills the tooth or caps it with a crown (capping the tooth after pulp removal is done if either replacing or leaving it empty is deemed necessary).
2. What Is a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is abbreviated as “extraction.” Tooth extraction is when the entire tooth is removed from the bony socket it resides in. Tooth extraction can be recommended when a tooth is too damaged to save, or in the case of impacted wisdom tooth removal surgeries, crowding, advanced periodontitis.
3. Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction: Significant Differences
Below is a brief chart to familiarize you with the differences between root canal therapy and tooth extraction:
| Factor | Root Canal Therapy | Tooth Extraction |
| Preserves Natural Tooth | Yes | No |
| Typical Recovery Time | 2–3 days | 5–7 days (may vary depending on healing factors) |
| Pain After Treatment | Mild discomfort as the tooth adjusts | May include pain, swelling, or moderate discomfort |
| Functionality | Maintains full chewing function | Loss of function unless replaced |
| Long-Term Costs | More methodical and contained | May be higher if a replacement (implant/bridge) is later required |
| Recommended When | Tooth is infected, decayed, or hard to clean but still restorable | Tooth is severely damaged, wisdom teeth issues, or infection beyond repair |
Wisdom Tooth Root Canal vs Extraction: Is it Worth Saving it?
Patients quite frequently ask about wisdom tooth root canal vs extraction, especially in the event of pain, but they haven’t fully erupted into an occlusal space.
In general, Wisdom teeth are typically extracted. Even if they are infected, most dentists will extract the tooth. Mostly for these reasons:
• Difficulties in cleaning once they are erupted creating susceptible future infections
• 12 degrees out of alignment when they come in causing a lot of digging for tooth surface
• Tooth serves no chewing function almost: bone healing less tooth density when absent
With regard to wisdom teeth, extraction is probably the best long-term option.
Book your FREE consultation4. When To Choose Root Canal Treatment
Under the following conditions, root canal therapy is usually the best decision for your dental health and future when:
• The tooth has adequate strength to support a restoration
• You want to maintain your natural bite and chewing ability
• The infection is limited to the tooth’s pulp and not the bone
• You are uncomfortable with having a gap or implant
At Partha Dental we feel a root canal is the best option when the tooth is worth saving. We also feel this is especially true for molars and front teeth, as they play significant roles in the function and aesthetics of your smile.
5. When Tooth Extraction Might Actually Help
Below are a few situations where tooth extraction might be more appropriate:
• The tooth is too decayed to retain a crown
• The tooth has loosened due to severe gum disease
• The infection has extended beyond the root
• There isn’t enough bone to support the tooth
• The patient doesn’t want to fulfil the cost and duration of root canal therapy
In the situation of a failed root canal, tooth removal, or a tooth mobilised by severe gum disease, tooth removal might be followed by a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture, as appropriate, to restore the bite and smile.
6. Extraction vs Root canal cost in India
The extraction vs root canal cost in India depends on complexity and any additional treatments. Also the position of the tooth matters.
Extraction may seem cheaper but root canal treatment can be actually cheaper option in the long run by avoiding the inevitable costs associated with replacing a missing tooth.
An option such as a root canal may actually be less expensive option for preserving your natural smile long-term.
7. Recovery Time and Post Care
Recovery from Root Canal
• Mild sensitivity for 1–2 days
• Resuming normal eating within 24 hours
• Follow up appointment required for the placement of crown
Recovery from Tooth Extraction
• Swelling, soreness for 2–5 days
• Avoid hard or proper hot foods for several days
• Proper oral hygiene for healing
At Partha Dental we provide post procedure education and follow up care to help ensure an uncomplicated recovery, regardless of what option you select.
Long-term Benefits: Saving the Tooth vs Removing
Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is almost always better for:
• Chewing effectiveness
• Jaw bone health (extractions can cause bone loss)
• Aesthetics and facial structure
• Preventing shifting of teeth
However, if a tooth is beyond repair, a tooth extraction and replacement is acceptable.
What are Partha Dental Dentists’ recommendations?
At Partha Dental, we evaluate each case individually—we take x-rays, review the extent of infection or damage, and discuss the best treatment option. Our preference is to restore a natural tooth where possible, however we recognize that in some situations extraction is the preferred course of treatment.
With over 120+ clinics in India, and a qualified team of endodontists and oral surgeons, you can rest assured no matter what treatment option you choose, you’re in good hands.
Call us now – 04041420000 to schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards a healthier and pain-free smile.
8. FAQs
1. How long will a root canal last?
A properly done root canal will last 10–20 years (or more) with a crown, especially with proper oral hygiene.
2. Will I need a replacement after a tooth extraction?
If the tooth is not a wisdom tooth then likely you should have a bridge, implant, or denture after extraction to maintain mouth function and aesthetics.
3. Is it better to save the tooth?
In the majority of cases, saving your natural tooth with a root canal is the preferred option as you will be able to maintain your bite, there will be no bone losing unused bone, and you will not have adjacent teeth shifting.
4. Can wisdom teeth undergo a root canal treatment?
Technically, yes—but because of their lack of positioning and use, it’s typically never recommended. Read more
Disclaimer:
The prices mentioned in this blog are indicative and may vary based on the severity of the condition, technology used, and materials suggested by the Dentist. They are accurate as of the date of publishing and subject to change as per clinic policy. Third-party or AI-generated estimates may not reflect actual clinic pricing. For accurate costs, please visit your nearest Partha Dental clinic.
