When a toothache is severe, it can dominate your day, making routine activities such as eating, working, and sleeping incredibly difficult. Whether caused by trauma, decay, or infection, a tooth in this condition is often significantly damaged, leaving only two treatment options: a root canal or tooth extraction. Both aim to relieve pain and restore your oral health, but each addresses the problem in a very different way.

At Foothill Dental Care, we help patients in Livermore and the surrounding areas navigate these difficult decisions every day. Choosing between a root canal and an extraction is never taken lightly. However, with our experience and personalized approach, we help individuals consider factors such as the condition of the tooth, overall oral health, and individual preferences—so you can make the choice that’s best for your smile and long-term well-being.

To help you make an informed decision, let’s explore the key differences between the two procedures and what you can expect from each.

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

• Purpose: A root canal is intended to preserve your natural tooth by removing infected pulp, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the inside, and sealing it to prevent further complications. Whereas a tooth extraction, as the name suggests, involves the complete removal of the affected tooth from its socket.
• Duration: Tooth extractions are typically quicker and can be completed in a single appointment, although surgical or impacted extractions may take longer. Root canals, on the other hand, usually require multiple visits, as the procedure involves several stages and can vary depending on the extent of damage, severity of the tooth issue, and its anatomy.
• Recovery: Although root canals are more lengthy procedures, they generally require little downtime, with only mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Your dentist will provide specific post-treatment instructions to ensure a smooth and safe recovery.
• Long-Term Impact: Root canals have a high success rate and, with proper care, can last for many years to a lifetime. In contrast, a gap that is not restored can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to bone loss and a gradual deterioration of the appearance and function of your smile.
• Aesthetic Needs: Following a root canal, the treated tooth is sealed with a crown to restore both its strength and appearance, often requiring no further treatment. After a tooth extraction, however, additional restorative procedures—such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures—are necessary to replace the missing tooth and maintain a natural-looking smile.

Protect Your Smile with Expert Root Canal and Tooth Extraction Care at Foothill Dental Care

Both root canals and tooth extractions are valuable treatments at Foothill Dental Care, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for which is best. Each approach offers distinct benefits, and the right solution depends entirely on your unique dental circumstances.

In many cases, a root canal is preferred because it preserves your natural tooth and restores proper function. However, there are situations where saving the tooth isn’t possible. If the tooth is severely damaged, causing significant pain, or cannot be restored with root canal therapy, an extraction may be the most effective and necessary solution.

If the thought of these procedures makes you nervous, don’t worry. At Foothill Dental Care in Livermore, we offer sedation dentistry, allowing you to receive the care you need in a comfortable and stress-free manner. Contact us at (925) 961-5484 or book your consultation online. During your visit, you can speak one-on-one with our dentists, who will thoroughly evaluate your oral health, address your concerns, review all available options, and guide you toward the treatments that best meet your needs.