When a tooth gets severely damaged or infected, two common dental procedures often come into consideration: Root Canal Treatment (RCT) and Tooth Extraction. Both aim to relieve pain and prevent further oral health issues, but the approach, recovery, and long-term outcomes differ significantly.
If you are unsure whether to save your natural tooth or remove it, this guide will help you understand the key differences, benefits, and what to expect from both treatments.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment (RCT)
Root Canal Treatment is a procedure that removes infected pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and then seals them with a dental filling.
The goal is to preserve your natural tooth while eliminating infection and pain. It’s usually recommended when the tooth’s pulp (the innermost layer containing nerves and blood vessels) is inflamed or infected due to:
- Deep decay
- Cracked or broken tooth
- Repeated dental procedures
- Gum disease
Once the RCT is complete, the tooth is often restored with a dental crown for added protection and strength.
Understanding Tooth Extraction
Tooth Extraction involves completely removing a tooth from its socket. It’s generally performed when the tooth is beyond repair, poses a risk to surrounding teeth, or when orthodontic or wisdom tooth issues arise.
Common reasons for extraction include:
- Severe tooth decay that has damaged most of the structure
- Advanced gum disease causing tooth mobility
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Fractured teeth below the gum line
- Overcrowding before orthodontic treatment
Tooth extraction can be simple (for visible teeth) or surgical (for impacted or broken teeth). After extraction, the dentist may recommend replacement options such as implants, bridges, or dentures to maintain oral balance.
Procedure: RCT vs Tooth Extraction
|
Aspect |
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) |
Tooth Extraction |
|
Objective |
Save the natural tooth |
Remove the damaged or infected tooth |
|
Process |
Cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the pulp chamber |
Removing the entire tooth from the jawbone |
|
Duration |
Usually 1-2 sessions |
Usually 20-40 minutes per tooth |
|
Pain Level |
Minimal with local anesthesia |
Minimal with anesthesia, but more discomfort during healing |
|
Healing Time |
A few days |
7-14 days, depending on complexity |
|
Restoration Needed |
Dental crown or filling |
Replacement (implant, bridge, denture) may be needed |
Pain and Discomfort: What to Expect
Many patients fear RCT because they assume it’s painful. In reality, with modern anesthetics and techniques, RCT is relatively painless, similar to getting a filling.
After an RCT, you may experience mild sensitivity or soreness for a few days, which can be managed with prescribed painkillers.
Tooth extraction, on the other hand, can cause more post-operative discomfort since it involves removing the tooth and disturbing surrounding tissues. Swelling and bleeding may occur for a short time, but these subside as healing progresses.
Recovery Time
After Root Canal Treatment
- Mild tenderness for 2-3 days
- Normal eating within 24 hours
- Full recovery in 3-7 days
After Tooth Extraction
- Initial healing in 7-10 days
- Bone and gum tissue fully heal in about 3-4 weeks
- Implants or prosthetics are recommended after complete recovery
Cost Comparison: RCT vs Tooth Extraction
|
Procedure |
Average Cost (India) |
Additional Costs |
|
Root Canal Treatment |
₹3,000 – ₹8,000 per tooth |
Crown: ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 |
|
Tooth Extraction |
₹800 – ₹5,000 (simple to surgical) |
Implant/bridge: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 |
Although extraction appears cheaper initially, the cost of replacing a missing tooth (implant or bridge) often makes it more expensive in the long run.
Aesthetic and Functional Impact
Saving your natural tooth through RCT helps maintain your natural bite and smile. The tooth remains anchored in the jawbone, preventing bone loss and shifting of adjacent teeth.
Tooth extraction, on the other hand, can lead to bone resorption and alignment issues over time if not replaced promptly. Missing teeth may also affect speech and chewing efficiency.
Longevity and Success Rate
- RCT Success Rate: 85-95% when done by an experienced dentist and followed by proper restoration.
- Extraction + Implant Success Rate: 95-98%, but involves surgery, higher cost, and longer recovery.
RCT-treated teeth can last for decades with proper oral hygiene and timely crown placement. Extraction followed by implant restoration can also be long-lasting but requires surgical precision and bone health evaluation.
When to Choose Root Canal Treatment
Your dentist will usually recommend RCT when:
- The tooth structure is strong enough to support a crown
- The infection is confined within the pulp and roots
- You want to preserve your natural smile
- There’s no extensive bone damage around the tooth
RCT is ideal for most cases of pulp infection or deep cavities where the outer tooth can still be saved.
When to Choose Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is usually preferred when:
- The tooth is severely decayed beyond restoration
- The infection has spread to surrounding bone
- The tooth is fractured vertically
- There’s not enough structure left for a crown
- Wisdom teeth are impacted or causing crowding
In these cases, extraction helps eliminate infection sources and prevent further oral complications.
Post-Treatment Care
After RCT
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final crown is placed.
- Brush and floss regularly to prevent reinfection.
- Visit your dentist for follow-up X-rays if needed.
After Extraction
- Avoid spitting or using straws for 24 hours (prevents dry socket).
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid hot drinks for 2-3 days.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after 24 hours.
Which Option is Better?
If your natural tooth can be saved, Root Canal Treatment is often the best option. It maintains your natural appearance, chewing function, and jawbone strength.
However, if the tooth is too damaged or poses a risk of spreading infection, Tooth Extraction is the right choice. Your dentist will guide you through suitable replacement options like implants or bridges to restore aesthetics and function.
Expert Opinion: Teeth Care Multispeciality Dental Clinic
At Teeth Care Multispeciality Dental Clinic, our team of experienced endodontists and oral surgeons carefully evaluates each case to recommend the most effective solution.
We focus on saving natural teeth whenever possible through painless and advanced root canal procedures. When extraction is necessary, we ensure it’s done with precision and provide comprehensive aftercare along with tooth replacement options to restore your smile.
Our clinic is equipped with digital X-rays, rotary endodontic systems, and sedation dentistry, ensuring that every treatment is comfortable, accurate, and efficient.
Conclusion
Both Root Canal Treatment and Tooth Extraction have their place in modern dentistry. While RCT aims to save your natural tooth and maintain oral harmony, extraction is sometimes unavoidable when the damage is beyond repair.
The right decision depends on the extent of infection, tooth structure, and long-term dental health goals. Consulting an experienced dentist at Teeth Care Multispeciality Dental Clinic can help you make the best choice for your oral well-being.