Root Canal vs. Extraction: 3 Reasons to Choose a Root Canal

By Deborah Pinnock on Jul 13, 2014 @ 10:30 AM

The phrase ”butterfly effect” explains that a small action can cause massive, unexpected results. This phrase, made famous by MIT meteorologist Edward Lorenz, not only applies to climate change but also surprisingly applies to your mouth. Because the environment in your mouth is so interconnected, one small action, such as extracting a tooth, has far-reaching results you may not have expected. According to the American Association of Endodontists, this is why many Americans have chosen root canals over extractions. So here are three compelling reasons to choose a root canal over an extraction when you have the option.

You avoid beginning an unpleasant chain of events.

The mouth, like our earth system, is a sensitive environment. One thing affects another. When a tooth is removed, a negative chain of events begins. Over time, the other teeth shift to fill the space left by the missing tooth. As teeth push against other teeth, it can cause various problems, such as crooked teeth and jaw problems. It even causes problems with chewing and biting.

You pay less in the long run.

Because removing a tooth can cause the challenges described above, filling the space is essential. A bridge or an implant are two prominent, permanent ways of doing this. If you choose a bridge, dentists usually have to shave down teeth on either side of the space to anchor the crown being used to fill the space. You must now pay for a three-unit bridge instead of the root canal and crown. And on top of that, two healthy teeth were also affected. The other option, dental implants, does not require shaving down adjacent teeth but is an expensive option that few dental insurers cover.

Your natural teeth affect your appearance.

When you have your natural teeth, smiling with confidence and not being self-conscious is a breeze. Those teeth close to the front of the mouth play a critical role in how we look and feel. It would not be a stretch to say that not having natural teeth can harm our self-esteem. Many feel less attractive and believe missing teeth, crowns, and dentures make them appear older.

While we live in a time when the options for naturally replacing missing teeth are more significant than ever, nothing looks more natural and functions quite like your natural teeth. So, like many Americans, you should save your teeth via a root canal if given the option.