Root Canal Versus Extraction - Which One is Right For Me?

For many, the prospect of having to have a root canal is frightening. “Mostly because of the myths associated with the treatment,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Dental Practice.

Root Canal Treatment or Endodontic Treatment removes the live tissue from the tooth. This is generally done when the tooth is infected and can be saved. “Once the tooth is successfully treated, a crown will be placed to add strength,” adds Dr. Ko. This process is done with a local anesthetic and treatment need not cause one to quake in fear.

So where do the horror stories come from? When patients elect to wait to have treatment it will inevitably mean that the infection will proceed and cause swelling and pain. Once the area is swollen there is little that can be done to reduce the pain until antibiotics kick in – a day or two.

An extraction can result in immediate relief, but then there needs to be the discussion of the replacement of the tooth. Replacement of an extracted tooth generally means implant or bridge. While these are both satisfactory options, caring for the tooth by having endodontic treatment is actually the least expensive and most conservative option.

With all that being said, when your dentist diagnoses a Root Canal and sends you to the specialist, don’t delay.