Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Is Right for Me?

If you’re experiencing extreme tooth pain, then you might have an infected tooth. A tooth infection will not go away on its own, and it will continue to disrupt your life until you visit our Wichita, KS, dentist. At Nordhus Dentistry, Dr. Byron J. Nordhus specializes in root canal treatment and gentle tooth extractions for infected teeth.

If you believe that you might have a tooth infection, then you might be faced with making a choice between a root canal vs. tooth extraction. Here, Dr. Nordhus goes over the risks and benefits of each so that you can make the best choice for your oral health.

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: What’s the Difference?

A root canal removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, while preserving as much of the existing tooth structure as possible. After removing the infection, Dr. Nordhus fills and seals the tooth. If necessary, Dr. Nordhus can use a natural-looking, restorative crown to further protect the damaged tooth. 

A tooth extraction completely removes the infected tooth from the jawbone. If it was a permanent tooth, then the tooth will not grow back. Instead, patients can replace the tooth with a restorative appliance, like a dental bridge or dental implant. 

How Do I Know Which Is Right for Me?

During a consultation, Dr. Nordhus can examine the infected tooth. If he believes that the tooth can be restored, then he will recommend a root canal. If he feels that the tooth is too damaged, then he may recommend a tooth extraction.

You don’t have to make the decision alone; our compassionate team will help you decide which is right for you. We won’t move forward until you feel that you have made a fully-informed decision.

Risks

Root canals and tooth extractions are not without their risks. Understanding the risks of each is crucial.

Root Canal

There are very few risks associated with root canal treatment. There is some risk of a residual infection if any infected pulp remains after the tooth is sealed. However, this is rare, and root canals have a remarkable success rate of 95%.

Tooth Extraction

Missing teeth create other issues, like shifting teeth and a receding jawbone.

Benefits

There are distinct benefits of both root canal treatment and tooth extraction. Weighing the benefits against the risks can help you make the right decision for you. 

Root Canal

The main advantage of root canal treatment is that our Wichita, KS, dentist will save as much of your natural tooth as possible. Doing so preserves the natural function and aesthetics of your own tooth. 

Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is a last-ditch effort to improve your oral and overall health. Dr. Nordhus will not recommend it unless it’s absolutely necessary to protect and preserve your well being.

Contact Us About Root Canal Treatment

Knowing the differences between a root canal vs. tooth extraction will help you make the right choice for your oral health. At Nordhus Dentistry, Dr. Nordhus will do everything he can to make the choice simple with root canal treatment. Schedule your consultation by calling our Wichita dental office at (316) 721-6730 or contact us online.