Although root canals are typically the preferred option to restore an infected tooth, both root canals and tooth extractions have their pros and cons. Root canals have an incredibly high success rate, and even though they can be somewhat painful, they will allow you to keep your tooth almost completely intact. Once the infected pulp is removed and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, your endodontist can seal your tooth back up. Once the procedure is done, you will be advised to go to your dentist for a crown in order for your tooth to stay healthy and protected.
 
In some cases, root canals aren’t an option, and you may need to get a tooth extracted instead. Tooth extractions may be necessary because of overcrowding, decay, gum disease, dental implants, trauma, or impaction. If your teeth are in the process of decaying and you don’t seek endodontic care in a timely manner, this decay can become irreparable and the tooth will not be able to be saved. Discuss with your specialist the possibility of dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures to make your smile look completely normal after extraction.

Fortunately, tooth extraction is a simple procedure that can be done under local anesthesia. Recovery from a tooth extraction usually takes about 48-72 hours. Although you can resume normal activity a couple of days after the procedure, the soft tissue around the extraction site will take roughly 3 weeks to fully heal. After your procedure, make sure to follow your endodontist’s guidelines for a healthy recovery. Keeping the extraction site clean will help prevent future infections.

The best alternative to a root canal is tooth extraction. Once your tooth has been successfully removed and the infection has been cleared, you can get a bridge denture or dental implant. Both of these solutions will help you smile brighter and with more confidence! Dental bridges can last for up to 10 years and make it look like you never lost a tooth. Dental implants can last a lifetime and look quite natural. However, you will likely need to replace the crown once every 10 years. Talk to your endodontic specialist about which one could work better for your beautiful smile.

Signs of needing a root canal right away include:
 
• Toothache
• Painful chewing
• Tooth sensitivity
• Gum redness
• Swelling gums
• Discoloration of the tooth
 
In some cases, no symptoms are present, and patients may still need a root canal. This is why regular visits to the dentist are crucial. Getting a root canal before it’s too late can help prevent severe infections.
 
Book an appointment with Ideal Endodontics if you’re experiencing any signs of tooth decay, such as toothaches, tooth sensitivity, holes or pits, staining, discoloration, or sharp pains. Our team would love to help relieve these uncomfortable symptoms and make sure your teeth are healthy. A root canal or tooth extraction can stop a severe infection from occurring and save you from life-threatening side effects. We believe that every single one of our patients deserves the utmost endodontic care. For further information on root canal procedures and tooth extraction, please feel free to contact Ideal Endodontics! We serve patients from Washington DC, Woodbridge VA, Arlington VA, Lorton VA, Manassas VA, Springfield VA, Alexandria VA, and Silver Spring MD.