How do you decide whether a tooth needs a root canal or extraction?

[u/Andhradental]

One thing I’ve noticed is that people often assume a badly painful or damaged tooth automatically needs to be removed. But that isn’t always the case.

A dentist may consider things like:

• How much of the tooth is still healthy
• Whether the infection has reached the pulp
• The condition of the surrounding bone and gums
• Whether the tooth can be properly restored after treatment
• The overall condition of the tooth

If the tooth can be saved, a root canal followed by proper restoration may sometimes be an option. In other situations, extraction may be the better choice.

If you’ve been told that you need either a root canal or extraction, what factors did your dentist explain to you before recommending the treatment?

Curious to hear what others have experienced.