Root Canal vs Extraction
Root Canal vs Extraction
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When dealing with severely damaged teeth or significant infections, patients are often given a choice: preserve the natural tooth through treatment or have it removed.
Choosing between these options can be challenging, as several factors need to be considered. While every case is different and each person’s reasons may vary, the guidance provided below is intended to make the decision a little easier.
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How much tooth is left?
The more tooth the better. After a root canal is performed a crown will need to be placed on the tooth (if a crown is not already present). The more tooth structure above the gingival margin (gum line), the more your dentist has to work with for the new restoration.
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Where is the tooth located?
When a tooth is positioned in a prominent area of your smile, removing it can noticeably affect your appearance. Even when only a small portion of the tooth remains, additional procedures are often available to help preserve the teeth that play a critical role in your smile’s overall look.
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Does the tooth serve a purpose?
In simpler terms—does it bite against another tooth? If it doesn’t, keeping it may not offer much functional value. In cases like this, removing the tooth typically won’t impact surrounding teeth. However, if that tooth supports a bridge or partial denture, it plays a more vital role in maintaining your dental structure and should be considered more carefully.
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How motivated are you?
Saving a tooth involves the root canal and many times a new crown or filling in the existing restoration. We want our patients to value their natural teeth and the procedures that are necessary to preserve the dentition.
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What are the available replacement choices?
Over the past decade, implant dentistry has seen significant progress, especially in the materials used to create ceramic bridges. While our top priority as dental professionals is to preserve your natural teeth, there are times when extraction becomes necessary. In such cases, both implants and bridges present reliable and effective replacement solutions.
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