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Root Canal vs Extraction – Which is More Affordable in the Long Run?

September 15, 2024

When faced with a severely damaged or infected tooth, many patients are left deciding between two options: a root canal vs extraction. While both treatments offer solutions, the long-term affordability of each can vary significantly. For patients trying to make an informed choice, understanding the financial implications, recovery, and future dental work is crucial.

In this post, we’ll break down the costs, potential long-term expenses, and the benefits of root canal vs extraction, helping you decide which is more affordable for your dental and financial health.

What is a Root Canal? 

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. During the process, a dentist or endodontist removes the infected or dead pulp inside the tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and seals the tooth with a dental crown.

Key Benefits of a Root Canal

  • Tooth Preservation: This keeps your natural tooth intact, which helps maintain the alignment and functionality of your other teeth.
  • Less Impact on Surrounding Teeth: By keeping your tooth in place, you prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, which can lead to bite issues or misalignment.
  • Quick Recovery: Modern root canal procedures are generally painless and involve a relatively quick recovery time.

What is a Tooth Extraction? What is a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is the complete removal of a damaged or decayed tooth. While it solves the immediate problem of a severely infected or decayed tooth, it leaves a gap in your smile. After an extraction, many patients will need further treatments, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures, to restore the tooth's functionality and aesthetics.

Key Benefits of Tooth Extraction

  • Immediate Relief: An extraction offers a quick solution to remove a painful tooth.
  • Lower Upfront Cost: Extractions are generally less expensive than root canals when looking solely at the initial procedure.
  • Simpler Procedure: Unlike root canals, extractions are straightforward and can often be completed in one visit without specialized equipment.

Cost Comparison: Root Canal vs Extraction 

Initial Cost

Root Canal

The average root canal cost can range between $700 and $1,500, depending on the tooth's location and the complexity of the procedure. Molars tend to be more expensive to treat than front teeth.

Extraction

An extraction is typically less expensive upfront, ranging from $100 to $500, depending on whether it’s a simple extraction or requires surgical intervention.

Additional Costs

While extractions seem more affordable at first glance, they often lead to other dental procedures to replace the missing tooth. Let’s break down the additional expenses.

Dental Implants

After an extraction, many patients opt for a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. A single implant can cost between $3,000 and $5,000. This is a significant cost compared to the initial savings from an extraction.

Dental Bridge

Another option for tooth replacement is a dental bridge, which averages between $1,500 and $2,500. While it is a cheaper alternative to implants, it still adds to the total cost of the extraction.

Dentures

In cases of multiple extractions, dentures might be required. Full dentures can range from $1,000 to $3,000, and partial dentures vary between $500 and $1,500.

Long-Term Affordability: Root Canal vs Extraction 

Long-Term Impact of a Root Canal

Preservation of Natural Tooth

One of the most significant long-term benefits of a root canal is that it preserves your natural tooth. This means you won’t need a replacement, eliminating the future costs associated with dental implants or bridges.

Reduced Risk of Future Dental Issues

Keeping the natural tooth in place helps maintain proper alignment of your other teeth, which reduces the risk of misalignment, bite issues, or TMJ disorders.

Cost-Effective Over Time

Although the initial cost of a root canal is higher than extraction, it’s often more cost-effective in the long run. Once the root canal is done, you typically won’t need follow-up procedures aside from regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Long-Term Impact of Tooth Extraction

Risk of Future Dental Work

The cost of a tooth extraction is often just the beginning. Replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant, bridge, or denture adds significant long-term costs. Without replacement, patients risk bone loss, shifting teeth, and alignment problems.

Bone Loss in Jaw

A missing tooth can cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time, which may result in the need for a bone graft if you later opt for an implant. Bone grafts can cost an additional $600 to $1,200 per area.

Aesthetic and Functional Concerns

Missing teeth can lead to aesthetic concerns, causing a sunken appearance in the face over time. This could lead to seeking cosmetic treatments, which further increase the total cost.

Root Canal vs Extraction - Which Treatment is More Affordable in the Long Run? 

While tooth extraction may seem more affordable in the short term, it often leads to additional treatments that significantly increase the overall cost. A root canal, on the other hand, preserves the tooth and eliminates the need for costly dental implants, bridges, or other replacement options.

Key Takeaways

  • Root Canals have a higher initial cost, but typically, there are no further expenses beyond the procedure and crown. They preserve the tooth, maintaining functionality and aesthetics.
  • Tooth Extraction has a lower upfront cost, but it often requires further treatments, such as implants or bridges, making it more expensive in the long run.

Additional Considerations 

Pain and Recovery

Both procedures offer pain relief, but root canals are generally considered less invasive than surgical extractions. Recovery from a root canal is quicker, while extractions can take longer to heal, especially if a replacement like an implant is necessary.

Insurance Coverage

Most dental insurance plans cover part of the costs for both root canals and extractions, but the out-of-pocket expenses for follow-up treatments after extraction (such as implants or bridges) are often higher.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Option for You? 

When comparing Root Canal vs Extraction – Which is More Affordable in the Long Run? the root canal usually proves to be the better long-term investment. Though the upfront cost is higher, it allows you to preserve your natural tooth, avoiding the need for expensive replacement options later on. Extractions may seem budget-friendly initially, but they can result in significant future costs if you require a dental implant or bridge.

If you’re facing the choice between a root canal and an extraction, schedule a consultation with Parkway Dental Care today. We’ll evaluate your dental health and provide the best treatment plan based on your needs and budget.

Call (407) 635 - 1196 to schedule your root canal appointment with Parkway Dental Care in Kissimmee, FL, for more information or to book an appointment. We’re here to ensure you get the best care for your smile at an affordable price.

FAQs 

Does dental insurance cover root canals or extractions?

Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of both root canal and extraction procedures. However, the amount of coverage may vary depending on your specific plan. It's important to check with your provider to understand the out-of-pocket costs for each procedure.

What are the long-term costs associated with tooth extraction?

After an extraction, you may need a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to replace the missing tooth. These treatments can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000, making the long-term cost of extraction much higher than a root canal, which typically preserves your natural tooth.

Can a root canal treatment lead to additional future expenses?

Although a root canal can save your tooth, there may be additional costs if complications arise, such as infection or the need for a crown. Crowns can cost between $800 and $2,000, depending on the material used.

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Parkway Dental Care Kissimmee
1064 E Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34744
New Patient: (407) 635-1196
Current Patient: (407) 932-2273
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14811 E. Colonial Dr. Suite 100
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