Root Canal or Extraction? How a San Jose Dentist Decides
Quick answer: If a tooth can be saved, a root canal is usually the better choice — it keeps your natural tooth, protects your bite and costs less over time than replacing the tooth. An extraction makes sense when the tooth is cracked below the gumline, too broken down to rebuild, or has lost too much bone support. At Lotus Dental Group, both treatments — and the implants or bridges that replace an extracted tooth — happen in one Willow Glen office, so the recommendation is based on your tooth, not on who does which procedure.
When a Root Canal Can Save the Tooth
A root canal treats infection inside the tooth. It is usually the right call when:
After a root canal, most back teeth get a crown so they can handle chewing for many years.
- The infection is inside the pulp but the roots and surrounding bone are healthy
- There is enough healthy tooth structure left to support a crown
- The tooth is not cracked down into the root
- The gums around the tooth are healthy or can be treated
After a root canal, most back teeth get a crown so they can handle chewing for many years.
When Extraction Is the Better Option
Sometimes saving a tooth isn't realistic. A tooth extraction may be recommended when:
- The tooth has a vertical crack that extends into the root
- Decay has destroyed too much of the tooth to rebuild it
- Advanced gum disease has left the tooth loose with little bone support
- A previous root canal has failed and retreatment is unlikely to work
- It's a wisdom tooth that is impacted or causing problems
What Happens After an Extraction
A missing tooth affects more than your smile — neighboring teeth can drift and the jawbone in that spot slowly shrinks. Most patients replace an extracted tooth with a dental implant or a bridge. Because Lotus Dental Group plans the extraction and the replacement together, we can often protect the bone at the time of extraction so an implant is easier later.
How We Decide Together
Every decision starts with an exam and digital X-rays, plus 3D imaging when we need to see the roots and bone in detail. Dr. Prathima Chawla, DMD, who has more than 25 years of experience, walks you through what the images show, what each option involves, how long it is likely to last and what your insurance is expected to cover. You make the final choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not sure whether your tooth can be saved? Get an honest answer.
Call (669) 222-8315 or book your appointment online. Conveniently located at 1660 Willow St #7, San Jose, CA 95125.
We love welcoming new patients and appreciate referrals from our valued patients!
Our friendly and experienced front office team is here to make your visit comfortable. At Lotus Dental Group, we take pride in providing quality general and cosmetic dental care to our neighbors.
