When a tooth is badly decayed or painful, many patients ask: "Should I do a root canal or just remove the tooth?" Extraction may look quick and simple, but losing a tooth has long-term effects. Here is a clear comparison to help you decide.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment (RCT) removes the infected nerve from inside the tooth, cleans and seals the canals, and saves the tooth. A crown is usually placed afterwards to protect it. At SAIDS, RCT is done by specialists in the Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, with single-sitting RCT available for suitable cases.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Extraction is the removal of the tooth. It is done when a tooth is too damaged to save, badly loose, or causing problems like an impacted wisdom tooth. Difficult and surgical extractions are handled by our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery department, led by experienced surgeons from Government Dental College backgrounds.
Root Canal vs Extraction: Comparison
- Natural tooth: RCT keeps it; extraction removes it.
- Chewing: RCT restores normal chewing; extraction leaves a gap.
- Neighbouring teeth: After extraction, nearby teeth can drift and the bite can change.
- Bone: The jaw bone shrinks where a tooth is lost.
- Future cost: A missing tooth often needs an implant, bridge or denture later.
When Is Root Canal Better?
- Deep decay reaching the nerve
- Severe toothache, especially at night
- Tooth abscess or swelling with a strong tooth structure
- Cracked or broken tooth that can be restored
When Is Extraction Needed?
- Tooth broken below the gum line and not restorable
- Severe gum disease with very loose tooth
- Impacted or infected wisdom teeth
- For orthodontic (braces) treatment when advised
Our Advice
Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is the best choice. No artificial tooth is as good as your own. If extraction is necessary, we will discuss replacement options such as implants, bridges or dentures.
Why Choose SAIDS Dental Hospital?
- Endodontic specialists: Modern root canal treatment with careful pain control.
- Specialist departments: 9 dental specialities with experienced MDS doctors under one roof.
- Strong surgical team: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery department, led by experienced surgeons from Government Dental College backgrounds.
- Advanced diagnostics: Dental X-ray, OPG and CBCT 3D scan on campus.
- Hospital backup: Part of the MMC Hospital campus, safe for patients with diabetes, heart disease and other medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is root canal treatment painful?
With local anaesthesia, RCT is usually no more uncomfortable than a filling. It actually relieves the pain caused by infection.
2. How many visits does RCT take?
Many cases are done in 1–2 visits. Infected teeth may need an extra visit.
3. Do I need a crown after RCT?
Back teeth usually need a crown to prevent fracture. Your dentist will advise.
4. Is it bad to remove a tooth and leave the gap?
Yes, over time nearby teeth tilt and the bone shrinks. It is best to replace the missing tooth.
Book Your Consultation at SAIDS Dental Hospital
Save your natural tooth with expert root canal treatment. Visit SAIDS Dental Hospital & Clinic, MMC Campus, Ulliyeri, Modakkallur, Kozhikode – 673323.
Call / WhatsApp: +91 75105 00043 | +91 86067 30213
OPD Timings: Monday – Saturday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM