Is an Extraction Better Than a Root Canal?

When you’re dealing with a painful or infected tooth, there are typically two options: pull the tooth or get a root canal.

Which one is best? The truth is, it depends on your situation. At Indiana Emergency Dental in Bloomington and Indianapolis, IN, we can help you choose the option that is right for you based on your dental health and the severity of the infection or damage that has been done.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is designed to save your natural tooth. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and seal it to prevent more damage. Afterward, you will have a crown placed on the tooth to help maintain its strength. The treatment is designed to keep your natural bite as close as possible to before any fillings were done, and it keeps the root in place to prevent bone loss in the jaw.

Why Get an Extraction Instead?

Sometimes, a tooth is too damaged to save. Severe decay, fractures below the gumline, or advanced infections may make extraction the safer choice, particularly if the infection has started to spread. Removing the tooth helps stop the spread of bacteria and relieve pain quickly, which can be essential in severe cases. After an extraction, it’s possible to replace the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or dentures, which will restore your smile.

Contact Indiana Emergency Dental for an Extraction or Root Canal in Bloomington or Indianapolis, IN

If you’re in pain and think you have a cavity or infection, you need to talk to your dentist as soon as possible. Call us today at Indiana Emergency Dental at 1-463-276-0541 to schedule an exam. We will give you the honest guidance you need to make your decision.