When you’re dealing with a severely damaged or infected tooth, you may face a critical decision: save the tooth with a root canal, or remove it with an extraction. At iSmile Dental in Langley, BC, our dentists help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your unique situation.
Both treatments deal with teeth that are badly decayed, cracked or infected. Common warning signs include a lingering toothache, pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t fade, swelling of the gum or face, a pimple-like bump on the gum, or a tooth that has darkened. Only an exam and X-ray can confirm what’s happening inside the tooth, so book a visit rather than waiting for the pain to pass.
A root canal (endodontic treatment) removes the infected pulp inside your tooth while preserving the outer tooth structure. It’s typically the preferred option when the tooth structure is still strong enough to support a crown, the infection hasn’t spread to the surrounding bone, the tooth is important for biting or chewing function, and you want to maintain your natural smile without a gap or replacement.
Modern root canals at iSmile Dental are nothing like their reputation. With local anesthesia and sedation options, most patients report the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. Treatment takes 1–2 visits, and the tooth is protected with a permanent crown afterward. Root canal treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care.
Sometimes extraction is the better or only option: when the tooth is cracked vertically below the gum line, when there’s severe bone loss around the tooth from advanced periodontal disease, when the tooth has already had a failed root canal, when the tooth is too damaged to support a crown, or when the cost of root canal plus crown exceeds the patient’s budget and an implant or bridge is preferred long-term. Wisdom teeth are a separate case; see our wisdom teeth removal page.
A root canal plus crown typically costs $1,500–$2,500 at iSmile Dental and is covered by most insurance plans and partially by CDCP. A simple extraction costs $200–$450, while a surgical extraction costs $300–$650. However, after extraction you’ll likely need a replacement (implant at $3,000–$6,000, bridge at $2,500–$5,000, or partial denture at $800–$2,000).
When you factor in the cost of tooth replacement after extraction, saving the tooth with a root canal is often the more economical choice long-term. See our insurance and CDCP guide for coverage details.
After a root canal, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed, since the tooth can be brittle. After an extraction, bite gently on gauze to control bleeding, avoid smoking and drinking through a straw for the first few days, and stick to soft foods. Call us if pain gets worse after a few days, swelling increases, or you develop a fever.
Leaving a gap can let nearby teeth shift and the jawbone shrink over time. The main replacement options are a dental implant, a bridge or a partial denture. Our implants vs bridges vs dentures comparison explains the trade-offs.
No. With modern anesthesia and techniques, a root canal at iSmile Dental is no more uncomfortable than a filling. We also offer sedation for anxious patients.
Root canal recovery is typically 2–3 days of mild soreness. Extraction recovery takes 5–7 days, with surgical extractions requiring up to 2 weeks.
Yes. iSmile Dental offers same-day emergency appointments for severe tooth pain. Call 604-510-3232 and we’ll get you in as quickly as possible.
Delaying treatment for an infected tooth can lead to abscess formation, spread of infection to surrounding teeth or jawbone, increased pain, and more complex (and expensive) treatment later.
Yes. If you’ve been told you need a root canal or extraction, our Langley dentists will evaluate your tooth and explain all your options.
Every situation is different. Our clinic at 112-6375 202nd Street serves patients from Willowbrook, Walnut Grove, Murrayville, Brookswood and Cloverdale, with Saturday appointments. Learn more about our Langley dental clinic and restorative dentistry.
Tooth pain, or been told you need a root canal or extraction? Call 604-510-3232 or book online for a thorough evaluation.
