The Pros and Cons of Getting a Root Canal: Is It the Right Choice for You?
Jessica Levco
January 14, 2025
Your dentist might suggest a root canal if you have a badly damaged or infected tooth. This treatment helps fix and save your tooth instead of pulling it out.
A root canal is a dental treatment for infections in the soft center of your tooth, called the pulp. Dentists and specialists called endodontists perform about 15 million root canals every year in the United States, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Are root canals worth it? Yes, considering that the alternative is likely a tooth extraction. The procedure involves removing the infected or inflamed tissue inside the tooth, cleaning it, and then filling and sealing it. Patients get local anesthesia during a root canal, similar to what’s used for fillings or wisdom tooth removal. Sometimes, a crown is put on the tooth after a root canal to protect it from future damage. This crown or filling might be done on the same day or later, according to Sensodyne.
The ADA reports that you might need a root canal if bacteria in your mouth get inside your tooth and cause swelling or infection in the pulp. This can happen if you have:
A deep cavity that hasn’t been treated.
A cracked or damaged tooth and bacteria infect the pulp.
A history of repeated dental procedures that disturb this tissue.
An injury to your tooth.
You might wonder “is a root canal good or bad?” Root canals are helpful. Consider how much pain an infected or damaged tooth can cause. Let’s explore root canal pros and cons.
The Pros of a Root Canal
According to Cleveland Clinic, the benefits of a root canal include:
Removing infection from your tooth.
Preventing damage to your jawbone.
Relief from tooth pain that has spread to your jaw, face or other teeth.
Relief from swollen gums or jaw.
Saving your tooth.
Root canals are ideal if your dentist can save your tooth. If that is not possible, they will recommend a tooth extraction. Either option can carry a hefty price.
However, dental savings plans are membership-based programs that offer discounts on dental services at participating dentists. For example, Altogether Dental members save an average of 36% on root canal costs.
The Cons of a Root Canal
There are a few disadvantages to root canals, Cleveland Clinic reports. Sometimes root canals don’t work because it wasn’t the best treatment option for your tooth problem. For example, if your tooth is badly damaged, a root canal might not fix it.
If a root canal fails, your dentist will talk to you about other options, such as:
Repeating the procedure to treat the infection again.
Removing the infected tooth and replacing it with a dental implant or bridge.
Sensodyne says you might feel some soreness in the area, and the tooth that had the root canal could be sensitive. If you have mild to moderate pain, you can try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
When to Choose a Root Canal Over an Extraction
Are root canals safe? The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) says you have two options if the nerve of a tooth is badly damaged or infected: a root canal or having the tooth pulled (extraction). Both options stop the infection and pain, but they work in different ways. The bottom line: Root canals are safe, the AAE reports.
A tooth extraction can also eliminate the problem, but you’re losing the tooth and its attachment to the bone. It gets rid of pain and infection, but the AAE reports some downsides, including:
Gaps in your teeth: If you don’t replace the missing tooth, the space can cause other teeth to shift, which can affect how you chew and how your smile looks. Replacing the tooth might require more dental visits and additional procedures, like bone grafts or sinus lifts.
Cost: An extraction can cost more than a root canal followed by restoring the tooth.
Discomfort: Extractions are usually bigger procedures and can be more uncomfortable with a longer recovery time.
If you’re still asking “Are root canals worth it?” then remember the advantage of the root canal is that it saves your natural tooth and helps you avoid extensive and expensive restoration treatments.
Alternatives to Root Canals
When considering an alternative to a root canal, Healthline offers these options:
Tooth extraction
Direct pulp capping
Pulpotomy
A tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that can relieve dental pain quickly, Cleveland Clinic says. It carries a small risk of complications, such as post-surgical infection, dry socket, nerve injury, damage to the maxillary sinus and delayed healing.
Direct pulp capping places a barrier over the infected tooth to protect the exposed pulp and support tissue repair. The tooth is then filled. It is usually only recommended when the pulp exposure is small, and the exposed pulp is healthy with no signs of inflammation or decay. It also tends to work best in younger people, Healthline says.
A pulpotomy is a procedure where the exposed pulp is removed. Pulpotomies are often done in children with baby teeth or developing adult teeth where the roots haven’t fully formed. In adults, they are usually done only as an emergency treatment to ease pain until a root canal can be completed, according to Healthline.
How to Make Root Canals More Affordable
The cost of a root canal varies depending on a few factors:
Tooth location
Tooth condition
Type of professional (dentist or endodontist)
Insurance
Dental costs can feel overwhelming, whether you have dental insurance or not.
At Altogether Dental, we believe that access to quality dental care should be a right for everyone. Based on a national average, a root canal can cost at least $1,008. Altogether Dental members save up to 36% on the cost.
When you’re with Altogether Dental, it’s easy to find a dentist in your area and schedule an appointment. Once you’ve found your dentist, you can schedule an appointment online or by calling their office. You can also talk directly to our Altogether Dental concierge service team with any questions.
