Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction:
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Compare the benefits, costs, and recovery of saving your natural tooth with root canal treatment versus extraction and replacement at Dental Clinic London, South Kensington.
When a tooth is badly decayed or infected, you’re often faced with two options: root canal treatment to save the tooth, or extraction to remove it entirely. Both are common procedures offered at our general dentistry practice in South Kensington. This guide compares root canal vs extraction to help you understand the costs, recovery, longevity, and which treatment may be best for your situation. If you’re in pain right now, our emergency dental team is available seven days a week — call us or book online.
Root Canal vs Extraction at a Glance
| Feature | Root Canal + Crown | Extraction + Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Preserves Natural Tooth | Yes — your tooth is saved | No — tooth is permanently removed |
| Surgery Required | No — minimally invasive procedure | Yes — surgical extraction may be needed |
| Treatment Time | 1–2 appointments over 1–2 weeks | 1 appointment + 3–9 months for replacement |
| Total Cost | From £1,690 (root canal + crown) | From £250 (extraction only) to £2,950+ with implant |
| Success Rate | 90–95% | 95–98% (implant replacement) |
| Recovery | 1–2 days mild tenderness | 5–7 days + months for implant healing |
| Bone Preservation | Yes — natural root maintains bone | Risk of bone loss without implant |
| Lifespan | Many years to decades (with crown) | Depends on replacement: 5–25+ years |
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) removes infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth while preserving the outer structure. The canals are cleaned, disinfected with sodium hypochlorite, and sealed with gutta-percha — a biocompatible filling material. The tooth is then restored with a dental crown for long-term strength and protection.
60–90 minutes per appointment. Most cases completed in 1–2 visits over 1–2 weeks, plus a follow-up for crown fitting.
90–95% success rate. A root canal treated tooth can last many years to decades with proper care and a well-fitting crown.
Root canal may be right for you if:
- You have a deep cavity or infection but the tooth structure is still intact
- You want to keep your natural tooth and avoid replacement
- You prefer a shorter overall treatment timeline
- You want the most cost-effective long-term solution
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth from its socket. It may be a simple procedure for fully visible teeth or a surgical extraction for teeth that are broken, impacted, or difficult to access. After extraction, you’ll need to consider a replacement such as a dental implant, a dental bridge, or a denture to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting and to maintain your bite.
Simple extraction: 15–30 minutes. Surgical extraction: 45–60 minutes. Recovery takes 5–7 days, with full socket healing in 2–4 weeks.
Dental implant (from £2,950) — widely considered the preferred option. Dental bridge (from £2,985 for 3-unit). Partial denture (from £795). Full denture (from £1,095).
Extraction may be necessary if:
- The tooth is severely fractured below the gum line
- Extensive bone loss means the tooth cannot be supported
- Previous root canal treatment has failed and retreatment isn't viable
- The tooth is impacted or causing damage to neighbouring teeth
Key Differences Explained
Tooth Preservation
Root canal saves your natural tooth, maintaining its root within the jawbone. Extraction permanently removes the tooth, requiring a prosthetic replacement to restore function and appearance.
Cost Comparison
Root canal + crown totals from £1,690. Extraction alone starts from £250, but adding an implant (from £2,950) or bridge (from £2,985) makes the total cost significantly higher.
Treatment Timeline
Root canal treatment is completed in 1–2 weeks including crown fitting. Extraction is quick, but implant replacement takes 3–9 months for healing and osseointegration.
Recovery & Comfort
Root canal recovery involves 1–2 days of mild tenderness. Extraction recovery takes 5–7 days, with surgical cases potentially longer. Implant healing adds another 3–6 months.
Bone Health
The natural tooth root stimulates the jawbone, preventing resorption. After extraction, the bone begins to shrink without an implant, which can affect facial structure over time.
Long-Term Outcome
A root canal treated tooth with a crown can last many years to decades. Implants offer 15–25+ years, bridges 15–25 years, and dentures 5–10 years before needing replacement.
Pros & Cons
Root Canal Treatment
Advantages
- Saves your natural tooth
- No surgery required
- 90–95% success rate (published clinical studies)
- Quick recovery (1–2 days)
- Maintains natural bite and jaw alignment
- More cost-effective than extraction + implant
Limitations
- Not suitable for severely damaged teeth
- Requires a crown afterwards (from £995)
- Small risk of reinfection (5–10%)
- May need retreatment years later
- Takes 1–2 appointments to complete
Tooth Extraction
Advantages
- Permanently removes the source of infection
- Quick single-appointment procedure
- Lower upfront cost (from £250)
- Necessary for severely fractured or non-restorable teeth
- Modern replacement options available (implants, bridges, dentures)
Limitations
- Permanent tooth loss — irreversible
- Replacement needed to prevent shifting (from £795–£2,950+)
- Bone loss over time without implant
- Longer overall treatment timeline (3–9 months with implant)
- Adjacent teeth may drift, affecting bite
- Higher total cost when replacement is included
Cost Comparison
Transparent pricing at Dental Clinic London. All fees are for treatment at our South Kensington clinic.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| New Patient Consultation | £30 |
| Root Canal — Front Tooth | From £695 |
| Root Canal — Premolar | From £795 |
| Root Canal — Molar | From £895 |
| Dental Crown (Post-Root Canal) | From £995 |
| Root Canal + Crown (Total) | From £1,690 |
| Simple Extraction | From £250 |
| Complicated Extraction | From £450 |
| Surgical Extraction | From £650 |
| Single Dental Implant (inc. Crown) | From £2,950 |
| 3-Unit Dental Bridge | From £2,985 |
| Partial Denture | From £795 |
| Full Denture | From £1,095 |
| X-Ray (Periapical) | £20 |
See our full fee guide for all treatment prices. 0% finance options available.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Best for Saving Your Natural Tooth
→ Root Canal + Crown
If the tooth structure is intact and the infection can be treated, root canal preserves your natural tooth, maintains bone health, and is the most cost-effective long-term option from £1,690.
Best for Severely Damaged Teeth
→ Extraction + Implant
When a tooth is fractured beyond repair or has failed previous treatment, extraction followed by a dental implant (from £2,950) provides a permanent, strong replacement that mimics a natural tooth.
Best for Affordability
→ Root Canal + Crown
At from £1,690 total, root canal with a crown is significantly more affordable than extraction with an implant (from £3,200+) or bridge (from £3,235+) when you include the replacement cost.
Best for Multiple Missing Teeth
→ Extraction + Bridge or Denture
If several adjacent teeth are compromised, extraction with a bridge or denture may provide a more practical solution. Partial dentures start from £795 and bridges from £2,985.
Not sure which option is right for you? Contact our team for personalised advice based on your clinical situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not Sure Whether to Save or Extract?
Book a consultation at Dental Clinic London and our experienced team will examine your tooth, take X-rays, and recommend the best treatment for your situation. New patient consultations are just £30.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or medical advice. Whether root canal treatment or extraction is appropriate depends on your individual clinical situation. All treatment outcomes vary by patient. Prices shown are starting prices and may vary depending on complexity. A consultation with one of our dentists is required before any treatment can begin. Dental Clinic London is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the General Dental Council (GDC).