14 Feb When Tooth Extraction is the Better Choice Over a Root Canal for Your Pet
When your pet has a damaged or diseased tooth, you might wonder whether a root canal vs. an extraction is the best option. The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of the damage, your pet’s overall oral health, and their lifestyle. Understanding when an extraction is the better choice can help you make the best decision for your furry friend’s dental care.
Root Canal vs. Extraction: What’s the Difference?
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleans it out, and seals it to prevent further infection. This allows your pet to keep their natural tooth while getting rid of pain and infection.
Tooth Extraction
An extraction involves removing the entire tooth from the socket. This option is usually recommended when a tooth is too damaged to be saved, poses a health risk, or wouldn’t provide long-term benefits if kept.
When Is Extraction the Better Option?
- Severe Tooth Damage
If a tooth is badly broken—especially if the fracture goes below the gumline—a root canal may not be possible. In these cases, extraction is the best way to relieve pain and prevent further problems.
- Weak Tooth Structure
Sometimes, a tooth is too weak to function properly even after a root canal. If it’s likely to break again, removing it can save your pet from future pain and complications.
- Injuries and Fractures
If your pet breaks a tooth in an accident or by chewing something too hard, a root canal might be an option. However, if the damage extends deep into the root or involves multiple fractures, extraction is usually the best choice.
- Severe Infections and Abscesses
A root canal can treat infections inside the tooth, but if the infection has spread into the surrounding bone and tissue, causing significant bone loss, removing the tooth might be the safest way to stop the infection and help your pet heal.
- Advanced Gum Disease
Gum disease can weaken the structures that support your pet’s teeth. If a tooth has become loose due to severe gum disease, extraction is often the best way to prevent pain and further oral health issues.
- Chewing Habits
If your pet loves chewing on hard toys or bones, a tooth that has undergone a root canal may still be at risk of breaking. In some cases, extraction is the safer and more durable solution. Modifying the chewing behavior becomes important to preserve the treated tooth.
Keeping Your Pet Happy and Healthy
At the end of the day, the most important thing is your pet’s comfort and well-being. If a tooth is causing pain or infection, an extraction can provide immediate relief and improve their quality of life. Working with a veterinary dentist will help you determine the best plan for your pet’s dental health.
Veterinary Dental Care in Pelham, Alabama
Keeping up with preventative dental care, like regular teeth brushing and professional cleanings, can help your pet avoid serious dental problems. If you think your pet might have a dental issue, give our team a call to schedule an exam. We’re here to help keep your furry friend’s smile healthy and pain-free!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (02/14/2025) Photo by Chewy on Unsplash