Root canal treatment
May be considered when the tooth nerve is infected but the tooth can be restored predictably.
Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction may be considered when a tooth cannot be saved predictably, is infected, badly broken, loose or causing ongoing risk.
Does this tooth need to come out?
Extraction is sometimes the safest option, but it should follow a clear explanation of why saving the tooth is not predictable or not worthwhile. Replacement planning may also be part of the decision.
- Start with the problem that made tooth extraction seem relevant.
- The dentist checks whether the treatment fits the tooth, gums, bite, timing and alternatives.
- If there are simpler, staged or no-treatment options, those should be discussed before you decide.
Assessment steps for tooth extraction
- Confirm why the tooth may not be saveable, including cracks, infection, gum support or remaining structure.
- Compare saving options, extraction risks and what happens if the tooth is left for now.
- Discuss replacement, healing and aftercare before the extraction decision is made.
When this treatment may be appropriate
- A tooth is cracked, infected, loose or broken beyond predictable repair.
- Gum support or remaining tooth structure is too poor for reliable saving.
- A wisdom tooth or failing tooth is causing repeated infection or risk.
When it may not be the right treatment
- The tooth can be saved predictably with reasonable treatment.
- Symptoms are uncertain and further assessment could change the decision.
- The patient is not ready and there is time to stage planning safely.
Who may benefit
- Patients with teeth that are causing infection, pain or repeated failure.
- Situations where saving the tooth is unlikely to be durable.
- Patients who need clear replacement or stabilisation planning.
Suitability checks before tooth extraction
- Whether the tooth can be saved predictably and whether saving it is worthwhile.
- Infection, swelling, pain control, medical history and procedural risk.
- Whether replacement planning is needed before or after removal.
Alternatives to consider
Crown or restoration
May be suitable when the tooth is weak but still restorable.
Monitoring or second opinion
Useful when the diagnosis or long-term value of the tooth is unclear.
Options to compare before tooth extraction
Extraction vs root canal treatment
Root canal treatment may save a restorable tooth; extraction may be more predictable when the tooth is cracked, weak or poorly supported.
Extraction vs crown
A crown protects a tooth worth keeping, while extraction is considered when protection will not make the tooth reliable.
Extraction vs monitoring
Monitoring can be reasonable when symptoms are stable and risk is low, but infection, fracture or mobility can change the timing.
How we decide
How we decide
- Whether the tooth can be saved predictably.
- Infection, swelling, pain, cracks, gum support and bite forces.
- Replacement options and what happens if the gap is left.
Pricing and complexity factors
What can affect pricing and complexity
- Tooth position, root shape, infection, bone support and surgical complexity.
- Whether imaging, review, referral or replacement planning is required.
- Whether the extraction is urgent, staged or part of a larger treatment plan.
What to expect
What to expect
- Assessment and discussion of alternatives before extraction is chosen.
- Planning for comfort, risk, aftercare and whether replacement is needed.
- Follow-up advice for healing and next steps.
Recovery and maintenance
Recovery and maintenance expectations
- Healing expectations depend on infection, extraction complexity, bone condition and whether stitches or staged replacement planning are needed.
- Aftercare focuses on clot protection, pain control, swelling monitoring and deciding whether the gap needs replacement.
Keeping the result stable
Keeping the result stable
- Healing and replacement timing depend on the tooth, infection, bone and long-term plan.
- Gaps may need monitoring if replacement is delayed or not chosen.
Related problem journeys
Related guidance
Common questions
Common questions
Is extraction always the last resort?
It is often considered after saving options, but sometimes extraction is the most sensible and predictable choice.
Do I need to replace an extracted tooth?
Not always. The decision depends on location, chewing, appearance, bite stability and neighbouring teeth.
Unsure whether this treatment is right?
Book a normal appointment to understand the problem, alternatives and whether treatment is appropriate.