Two different treatments — one common goal: relieving pain and protecting your oral health.
If you’re dealing with a damaged or infected tooth, your dentist may recommend either a root canal or a tooth extraction. But how do you know which one is right for you?
While both procedures aim to treat pain and infection, they take very different approaches. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the difference — and why your dentist may recommend one over the other.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that saves your natural tooth by removing the infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), cleaning the root canals, and sealing them.
✅ When It’s Recommended:
- Deep decay that’s reached the nerve
- Cracked or chipped tooth with pulp damage
- Severe infection or abscess
- You want to preserve your natural tooth
🛠 What’s Involved:
- Local anaesthetic is used
- The tooth is cleaned from the inside
- A filling or crown is placed to protect it
- Usually done in 1–2 visits
👍 Benefits:
- Saves your natural tooth
- Maintains jawbone health and bite alignment
- Less invasive recovery than extraction
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction involves completely removing the tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It’s usually done when the tooth is too damaged to be restored.
✅ When It’s Recommended:
- Severe decay or infection beyond repair
- A fractured tooth below the gumline
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Overcrowding (often before orthodontic treatment)
🛠 What’s Involved:
- Local anaesthetic or sedation is used
- The tooth is gently loosened and removed
- Recovery includes protecting the area as it heals
- Replacement options (like implants or bridges) may follow
👍 Benefits:
- Removes the source of pain or infection
- Can be faster and less costly in the short term
- Helps resolve crowding or spacing issues
Root Canal vs. Extraction: Which Is Better?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on:
- The condition of the tooth
- Your oral and overall health
- Your long-term goals
- Cost and insurance coverage
- Your dentist’s recommendation
In general, dentists try to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, which makes root canal therapy the preferred option if the tooth can be saved. But if saving the tooth isn’t practical or safe, extraction followed by a restoration (like an implant or denture) may be the better solution.
What About Cost and Insurance?
In Canada, both root canals and extractions are typically covered under private dental insurance plans — but coverage can vary. Root canals may be more expensive up front, but often help avoid the need for tooth replacements down the line.
Our team can help you understand your treatment options, compare costs, and check your coverage so you can make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Root canals and tooth extractions are both highly effective treatments — and your dentist’s job is to help you choose the one that’s right for your health, comfort, and long-term care.
Still unsure which option is best for your smile? Book a consultation with our experienced team — we’ll walk you through every step, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in your care.