Extraction of Tooth vs. Root Canal: which is a better option?

If a tooth can be saved without heroic dentistry, it should be saved, rather than extracted. By "heroic dentistry", I mean procedures that were created to extend the life of a severely compromised tooth. When I went to dental school, implants were not predictable, and were not taught to dental students. Very creative dentists figured out ways to preserve compromised teeth, often for many, many years. These sophisticated procedures took time and money, and sometimes did not last. In 2013, it is much more common to extract a severely compromised tooth and replace it with an implant and crown. It is more predictable, and often less expensive, depending on how compromised the tooth is. However, if all your molar needs is a root canal and crown, it's not severely compromised. These are proven procedures that have a very high rate of success and should last a very long time. It is also a less expensive solution. So if the tooth is salvageable via routine dentistry, you should save it.

Dr. Binder is correct. Both implants and and root canals can be predictable and long lasting restorations, although both options do have a possibility of failure. He is also correct that a root canal and crown is typically a more affordable option. In way of explanation, a severely compromised tooth would be a tooth with decay so extensive that it approaches the level of the bone. This situation may require additional "heroic" procedures to restore the tooth. Those procedures increase the expense of the treatment and result in less bone supporting the tooth. Your dentist will be best able to evaluate your x-rays and determine if an adequate amount of stable tooth structure exists above the level of bone. It is important to keep your back teeth. The force of chewing is distributed primarily on your back teeth, and the tooth you are indicating is the largest in your mouth. When you lose back teeth, that force is absorbed by your front teeth. They are not designed for that function and will, over a number of years, chip and wear. Best of luck!

It will be good if you give your x ray with your question .I agree with Dr Travor & Dr Loyd .that natural tooth should be saved as much as possible , if it remains 1.without any infection ,2. it is efficiently used for chewing & 3. has long life. Removal & implant can always be done if the tooth does not remain as par above three things. In India root canal & crown is much cheaper than implant.