Emergency Root Canal vs. Extraction: What's the Difference?

A root canal removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth to save it, while an extraction removes the tooth entirely. We'll always try to save the natural tooth with a root canal first, extraction becomes the option when the damage or infection is too severe.

Both procedures treat the same underlying problem, a tooth that's infected, badly decayed, or seriously damaged, but they take very different approaches. A root canal cleans out the infected nerve tissue, seals the tooth, and typically finishes with a crown, letting you keep your natural tooth. An extraction removes the tooth completely, which becomes necessary when the crack extends below the gumline, the infection has caused too much damage, or there simply isn't enough healthy tooth structure left to save.

We'll examine the tooth and walk you through exactly which option makes sense, and what it means for comfort, we offer a full range of sedation options for patients who are anxious about emergency treatment.

Whichever treatment your tooth needs, waiting rarely makes it easier or cheaper to fix. Call us at (615) 383-7801 for a same-day or 24-hour emergency appointment.