The alternative option to root canal treatment is an extraction of the tooth. Although on many occasions this may seem a more attractive and quicker option to get rid of pain or infection, it should be considered that extraction is an irreversible process.

Extraction is usually recommended by the dentist when it is not possible to restore the tooth with core and crown after the root canal treatment is completed. If a tooth is beyond repair and is suggested to have extraction, the patient can either accept the gap remaining after extraction or replace the missing tooth with denture, bridge or implant.