What Can You Do Instead of a Root Canal?

Tooth Extraction: The Primary Alternative

If a tooth can no longer be saved by root canal therapy, the alternative is extracting the tooth entirely. While this may seem like a quicker fix to remove pain or infection, extraction is irreversible — once the tooth is removed, it’s gone for good.

Extraction is generally considered when:

• The tooth is too damaged or decayed for a root canal to succeed.
• The structure remaining won’t support a crown or a post.
• Treatment risks or complications are too high for safe restoration.

Filling the Gap: Replacement Options

After extraction, you’ll need to decide whether—or how—to replace the missing tooth. Leaving a gap may lead to shifting teeth, alignment changes, or other issues down the line. Common replacement options include:

• Dentures – removable teeth replacements, good for minimal cost and flexibility.
• Dental bridges – fixed units anchored to surrounding teeth to “bridge” the gap.
• Dental implants – the most permanent solution: a titanium post in the jawbone topped with a crown.

Your dentist will help you choose the best option based on your oral health, budget, and aesthetic goals.

Which Option Is Best for You?

While extraction avoids the pain and complexity of a root canal, it’s a trade-off:

• You lose a natural tooth.
• You’ll need ongoing care for the replacement.
• Some replacement methods cost more or take time to complete.

If saving the tooth is viable, root canal treatment plus restoration is often the preferred route — but in cases where it’s not, extraction and replacement become practical alternatives.