If you have been experiencing uncomfortable dental symptoms, such as a throbbing tooth ache, heightened sensitivity to cold and heat, a dental abscess on your gums, foul smelling fluid leaking from the gums around a painful tooth or severe discoloration of a tooth, your dentist may prescribe a root canal or an extraction. Initially, you may consider the extraction as your best option. After all, the upfront financial cost of an extraction is usually substantially less than that of a root canal. The cost of a non-surgical extraction for an erupted tooth is usually between $75 and $300. However, depending on the location and number of root canals of the affected tooth, a root canal procedure may be priced between $300 and $2,000. Still, there are multiple advantages of a root canal that exceed those of an extraction. Here are a few:

Aesthetic Appeal:

If the affected tooth is near the front of your mouth, its removal can certainly affect your appearance. Every time you smile or speak, the space left by the extracted tooth may be displayed.

However, a root canal preserves the tooth. After the pulp of the tooth has been removed to alleviate your discomfort and stop the spread of infection, the tooth is filled, and a dental crown is applied. If a porcelain or porcelain-over-metal crown is selected, the color of the crown can be matched to that of the adjacent teeth, and the new crown will be virtually undetectable to casual observers.

Bone Stimulation

The area of your jawbone that contains the root of your tooth is stimulated every time pressure is applied to the site as you chew. However, once a tooth is removed, the bone receives no stimulation and may atrophy.

Since a root canal allows the tooth root to remain in place, bone loss is discouraged.

Misalignment Prevention

Each tooth in your mouth acts as a placeholder for the teeth adjacent to it. After an extraction, the remaining space gives your other teeth room to shift out of place. Previously aligned teeth can gradually become crooked and may require orthodontic intervention.

With a root canal, the tooth remains in place and changes to the alignment of your teeth are less likely.

If you have a bothersome tooth, schedule an appointment with a dentist in your area, such as Omni Dental. If he or she offers you the option of having a root canal versus an extraction, consider the advantages and disadvantages of your selection before making a final decision.