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