Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal in Canberra: Making the Right Decision

Understanding the Basics and Core Issues

Before getting a know-how about the treatments, it’s helpful to understand why you might be facing this choice.

Often, it comes down to severe decay or infection reaching the innermost part of your tooth.

Your tooth has layers.

First comes Enamel (the hard, outer protective layer), then Dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) and Pulp, which is the innermost part, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue – the “living” part of your tooth.

When decay or trauma reaches the pulp, it can become inflamed and infected.

If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to an abscess and potentially impacting surrounding bone and even your overall health.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal procedure is designed to save your natural tooth. 

It becomes necessary when the pulp gets infected or inflamed. 

The Root Canal takes on average 60 to 90 minutes, and complex cases may require 2 to 3 visits.

What About a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from its socket. 

This procedure becomes necessary when the tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved, or if an infection has affected the surrounding bone.

When is Extraction the Better Option?

• If the tooth is fractured below the gum line
• Severe bone loss from gum disease
• Financial constraints or time restrictions

1. The Root Canal Procedure

A root canal procedure, also known as endodontic treatment, is designed to clean out the infection from inside the tooth, seal it, and prevent further damage.

The dentist accesses the pulp chamber and root canals, removes the infected tissue, cleans and shapes the canals, and then fills them with a biocompatible material to prevent re-infection.

The Steps of a Root Canal Procedure

• Diagnosis: Your dentist will take X-rays and perform tests to confirm the infection and assess the extent of the damage.
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
• Access Opening: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.

• Cleaning and Shaping:Tiny instruments are used to remove the infected pulp, and the canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped. Water and antibacterial solutions are flushed through the canals.

• Filling the Canals: The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and a special sealer.

• Temporary Filling: A temporary filling is placed to seal the opening and protect the tooth until a permanent restoration can be done.

• Permanent Restoration: In a subsequent visit, the temporary filling is removed, and a permanent crown or filling is placed. A crown is often recommended for back teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure because they become more brittle after treatment and need protection from chewing forces.

Root Canal Procedure Cost in Canberra

The root canal procedure cost in Canberra varies based on the tooth involved (front teeth are generally less expensive than premolars and molars), the complexity, and the clinic.

It typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,500 per tooth.

This cost often covers only the root canal treatment itself.

You will also need to factor in the cost of the permanent restoration (filling or crown), which can add another $1,000 to $2,500+ AUD for a crown.

Always get a detailed quote from your dentist that includes all anticipated stages.

2. Tooth Extraction Procedure

Tooth extraction, or dental extraction, is the complete removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. 

It’s often considered when a tooth is too severely damaged by decay, trauma, or gum disease to be saved by a root canal or other restorative procedures. 

Sometimes, it’s also necessary due to overcrowding or wisdom tooth issues.

There are two main types of extractions.

Simple extraction of a visible tooth that can be removed with forceps after local anesthesia. It’s generally quick and straightforward.

Surgical extraction for teeth that are not easily accessible (e.g., impacted wisdom teeth that have broken below the gum line). It involves making a small incision in the gum tissue, and sometimes removing a small amount of bone or cutting the tooth into pieces for easier removal.

The Steps of a Tooth Extraction

• Diagnosis & X-rays

The dentist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to plan the extraction.

• Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is used to numb the area completely. Sedation options are often available for anxious patients.

• Loosening the Tooth

For a simple extraction, instruments are used to gently loosen the tooth from its socket. For surgical extractions, incisions are made.

• Removal

The tooth is carefully removed, then the socket is cleaned, and stitches may be placed if necessary. Gauze is placed to control bleeding.

Tooth Extraction Cost in Canberra

The tooth extraction cost in Canberra varies significantly based on the complexity of the extraction (simple vs. surgical) and whether it’s performed by a general dentist or a specialist.

It generally ranges from $150 – $800+ AUD per tooth, and potentially higher for very complex cases or if performed in a hospital setting.

The cost of extraction does not include the cost of replacing the missing tooth, which is often recommended to prevent issues like shifting teeth, chewing difficulties, and bone loss.

Replacement options include dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures, each with its own significant cost.

Tooth Extraction or Root Canal: Making the Right Call

The decision between an extraction and a root canal is a significant one, and it’s best made in consultation with your dentist.

Ultimately, saving your natural tooth is almost always the preferred option when possible.

Natural teeth maintain proper chewing function, support jawbone health, and prevent the cascade of problems that can arise from a missing tooth.

Here are the key considerations

Choose a Root Canal 

• The tooth can be saved and is structurally sound enough to support a crown.
• You want to preserve your natural tooth.
• You want to avoid potential issues associated with missing teeth (bone loss, shifting adjacent teeth).
• Your dentist confirms the infection can be successfully cleared from the canals.

Choose an Extraction

• The tooth is too severely damaged (e.g., extensive decay, large fracture below the gum line) to be restored.
• The tooth is beyond saving due to severe gum disease or bone loss around its root.
• You have a severe infection that cannot be resolved with root canal treatment.
• It’s a wisdom tooth causing problems or a tooth needed for orthodontic treatment.
• Financial constraints make a root canal and crown prohibitive, and a less expensive replacement option (like a partial denture) is considered (though long-term, extraction and replacement can be more costly).