Side by side
| Point | Root Canal Treatment | Tooth Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Save the natural tooth | Remove a tooth that cannot be saved |
| Visits | 1 to 2, plus a crown if needed | Usually 1 |
| Time per visit | 60 to 90 minutes | Varies with the tooth |
| Replacement needed | Usually a crown on the treated tooth | Often a replacement such as an implant or denture |
Frequently asked questions
Is a root canal painful?
The treatment is done under local anaesthetic. Some tenderness for a few days is common afterwards.
Is it better to keep the tooth?
Keeping a natural tooth is usually preferred when it can be saved and kept healthy.
What happens if I leave an infected tooth?
An infected tooth can cause pain and swelling. See a dentist as soon as possible.
Sources
Written by the team at Dental Clinic by Dr. Kamran Shahzad.
This article is general information. Please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
Related
Ready to book?
Call the clinic or message Dr. Kamran Shahzad on WhatsApp. We are open Sunday to Thursday and on Saturday, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM.