When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading facial swelling, high fever with facial swelling or another life-threatening symptom.
What a root canal generally involves
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the internal space and seals it. A crown is often placed afterward to protect the tooth.
What extraction generally involves
Extraction removes the tooth entirely. If the tooth is in a visible or functional position, tooth-replacement options are usually discussed afterward.
Key differences
- Whether the natural tooth is preserved
- Number of visits typically involved
- Whether tooth replacement is likely to follow
- Overall timeline and cost pattern
When each may be considered
- Restorable tooth with a healthy foundation: a root canal is often discussed
- Tooth badly fractured, non-restorable or with severe bone loss: extraction may be considered
- Cost, timing and overall treatment plan: also part of the discussion
How the dentist decides
An evaluation includes clinical exam, imaging, testing tooth vitality and reviewing the overall treatment plan. A referral may be discussed for complex cases.
Factors that can affect cost
- Tooth location and complexity
- Whether a crown is placed after a root canal
- Whether a replacement is needed after extraction
- Any additional procedures required
Related resources
Talk with a dentist about your situation
Call (432) 999-4078 or use the appointment-request form to discuss your options with the practice. Submitting a request does not guarantee an appointment; the office will follow up to confirm availability.
Frequently asked questions
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination by a qualified dental professional. Individual causes, symptoms, treatment options and recovery can vary.