A Guide to Root Canal Treatment versus Tooth Extraction

The enamel that covers our teeth is harder than skeletal bone. However, it is still vulnerable to damage caused by conditions such as tooth decay and traumatic injuries. 

 When damage occurs, the protective enamel exposes the softer dentin layer underneath and can make the nerves, blood vessels, and tissue inside the tooth susceptible to infection. In such cases, Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio can treat the infection with root canal treatment (RCT), which involves removing the infected nerves and tissue from inside the tooth, then filling and sealing the space that is created.

Root canal vs. tooth extraction – which is better? 

Root canal treatment removes the infection from inside the tooth and relieves the pain caused by the infection and  prevents further complications. The tooth is preserved and restored to health. Without RCT, the tooth might need to be extracted. 

Our specialists, Dr. Rick Davis, Dr. Rick Schwartz and Dr. Zac Liang sometimes provide root canal retreatment. This RCT “re-do” may be recommended when a tooth with previous root canal treatment failed to heal properly. In this situation we sometimes recommend surgical treatment options. The most common surgery is known as “apicoectomy” or  “root-end resection.” During this procedure the tips of the affected roots are removed and a small filling is placed in the root end to seal it. Infected tissue around the root tips is also removed. This process is appropriate for some patients with persistent infections. 

Procedures to “save” damaged teeth are generally preferred over extraction because they are:

• Less aggressive
• Associated with a high rate of successful treatment 
• More economical than tooth replacement options, such as dental implants 
• A durable and lasting way to restore a tooth’s natural function and appearance 
• A healthy alternative to larger and more complex procedures 
• Tolerated well with a local anesthetic, administered gently and slowly for utmost comfort 
• An effective way to strengthen a tooth that is weak due to decay, cracks, and other damage 
• Often, a “one-and-done” procedure – no further treatment necessary!

At Endodontic Consultants, we offer nonsurgical and surgical root canal treatment to save your teeth. Our specialists will thoroughly evaluate your tooth and suggest the most suitable option to alleviate pain and infection. To schedule an appointment at our San Antonio, TX office, please call (210) 497-6699 today.

Dr. Richard Davis, DDS

Richard D. Davis, DDS, graduated from high school in Japan, attended the University of Washington dental school, and joined the Air Force as a general dentist in 1978. He completed the Air Force one-year AEGD residency, a two-year Advanced General Dentistry Residency, and a fellowship in biomaterials at the University of Indiana. Dr. Davis was a clinical instructor, research director, and lecturer at the Air Force. He has published many scientific articles and research papers, and has lectured on many topics. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1999, he completed the graduate program in endodontics at the University of Oregon in 2001, and joined Dr. Schwartz and has been in private practice in endodontics since then.

Dr. Richard Schwartz, DDS
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Richard S. Schwartz, DDS, graduated from the University of Minnesota dental school in 1977. He was a restorative dentist for 19 years: Early in his career, he attended a two-year general dentistry residency while in the US Air Force, and then did a combination of private practice, teaching, and dental materials research before entering endodontic post-graduate training in 1996. He has authored over 100 articles and abstracts in scientific journals and lectured extensively in the US and in 21 other countries, including 12 times at the American Association of Endodontists’ national meeting. Since 1998 Dr. Schwartz has been in full-time private practice in endodontics in San Antonio, TX, and has practiced with Dr. Davis since 2001. He was a founding member and first secretary/treasurer of the International Association of Endodontics. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and International Association of Dental Specialists.

Dr. Zhangrui Liang, DDS, MS

Dr. Zhangrui “Zac” Liang, DDS, MS, grew up in China and has been in the US since 2015. He attended dental school in China and did his endodontic training at UCLA, where he also received a Masters of Science degree. He has practiced with Dr. Davis and Dr. Schwartz since 2022.

Dr. Wisam Sakr, DDS, MS

Dr. Wisam Sakr has nearly 20 years of dental experience. He graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and further honed his skills through an AEGD program at Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He also earned a Specialty and Master’s degree in Endodontics from West Virginia University Health and Science Center. Dr. Sakr is a dedicated member of the American Association of Endodontics and American Dental Association. He is committed to providing top-notch dental care with the latest technology in a compassionate and professional setting.