Save the Tooth or Extract It? A Decision Guide
Root canal treatment, retreatment or an implant after all? When saving a tooth is worthwhile and when it is not – with a checklist for your consultation.
“We can save the tooth – or we extract it and place an implant.” Many patients face this choice. Both paths can be right. What matters is your tooth, your gums, your general health and your wishes.
Your own tooth is usually the best solution as long as it has enough healthy structure, the supporting tissues are stable and there is no vertical root fracture. If, on the other hand, the prognosis is poor, early removal can protect the bone and clear the way for an implant or a bridge.
Reasons for saving the tooth
- Your own tooth has natural supporting tissues with a sense of touch and shock absorption.
- No surgery and no bone grafting needed.
- Usually less expensive than extraction plus implant plus crown.
- An implant remains an option for later.
Reasons that may speak against saving the tooth
- vertical crack (fracture) of the root
- very little remaining tooth structure above the gum
- severely advanced bone loss due to periodontitis, marked loosening
- repeatedly failed treatments without a realistic prospect of improvement
| Saving the tooth (root canal treatment + crown) | Extraction + implant | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | non-surgical | surgical, possibly with bone grafting |
| Time to final restoration | a few weeks | usually several months |
| Costs | usually considerably lower | usually higher (implant, possibly bone grafting, crown) |
| Feel when chewing | natural | very good, but without the periodontal ligament |
Questions for your consultation
- How do you rate the chances of saving the tooth – and why?
- How much healthy tooth structure will remain after the treatment?
- What condition are my gums and bone in?
- What happens if saving the tooth fails later on?
- What costs are involved with each option?
Would you like a well-founded assessment – or a second opinion? Book your appointment at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter – via online booking or by phone on 0911 554181. You will find us at Hainstraße 25, 90461 Nürnberg (tram 6/10 to Scharrerstraße, patient parking via Scharrerstraße).
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a second opinion from you?
Yes. Bring any existing X-rays and treatment plans with you, and we will assess your situation independently.
How long can you live with a dead tooth?
A root-treated, well-sealed tooth can last a very long time. A dead tooth that has not been treated, on the other hand, should be treated, because the inflammation can spread.
This article is a translation of our German guide and does not replace a personal examination and consultation. If you have symptoms, please see a dentist – for example at the Zahnarztpraxis St. Peter in Nuremberg.
