Root Canal vs. Extraction: Which Is Right for You?

If you have tooth pain and know you need a root canal or an extraction in Bloomington or Indianapolis, Indiana, you may not be sure which one to go with. On one hand, you can save your tooth. On the other hand, you could be out of pain quickly (and save money in the short-term). At Indiana Emergency Dental, we want to give you more information so you can make an educated decision.

Why Choose To Have a Root Canal?

The primary reason to choose a root canal is that there is still enough healthy natural tooth left to keep the natural tooth. During the procedure, the infected pulp inside the tooth is removed, the canals are cleaned, and the space is sealed.

Most of the time, your tooth will also need a crown to protect the root canal, ensuring the tooth is stable over time.

Root canals can be a good choice when the tooth still has enough healthy structure. Keeping your natural tooth helps you chew comfortably and prevents other teeth from shifting out of position. You also won’t need to consider a bridge or other replacement option.

When Should You Have a Tooth Extracted Instead?

Some teeth are too far gone and need to be pulled. We typically extract teeth that are:

• Severely infected
• Broken below the gumline
• Too weak to hold a crown
• Pushing against and crowding other teeth

Learn More About Root Canals vs. Extractions in Bloomington and Indianapolis, Indiana

If you are deciding between a root canal and an extraction, call Indiana Emergency Dental. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you choose what works best for you, whether you need emergency care or can wait for an appointment. Reach us at 1-463-276-0541 to schedule an appointment today.