Do You Need a Root Canal or Extraction? A Decision Guide for Woolloongabba Patients
Bad toothache or an abscess can make you wonder: should you save the tooth with a root canal, or remove it and replace it later? This practical guide compares costs, recovery times and long-term pros/cons — and explains our gentle approach and payment options.
EasyCare Family Dental • Suite 103/33 Lytton Road, East Brisbane QLD 4169 • After-hours: 0478 000 333
When Root Canal Therapy Is Usually Recommended
- Deep decay reaching the nerve (pulpitis)
- Abscess or lingering pain to hot/cold
- Cracked tooth that’s restorable
- Trauma to a tooth that’s saveable
Goal: remove infection inside the tooth, disinfect and seal canals, then restore strength with a filling or crown.
When Extraction May Be the Better Option
- Tooth is fractured below the gum or split
- Severe decay with poor remaining structure
- Advanced gum disease with mobility
- Previously failed, non-restorable root canal
Plan ahead for replacement (implant, bridge or partial denture) to maintain chewing and prevent shifting.
Root Canal vs Extraction: Costs & Recovery at a Glance*
| Treatment | Purpose | Typical Cost (local) | Back-to-Work | Long-Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root Canal + Crown (where indicated) | Relieve pain/infection and save your natural tooth | A$1,200–A$2,200 for root canal (tooth dependent) + A$1,400–A$2,000 for a crown | Often next day for office work (mild soreness 1–3 days) | Tooth retained, normal bite maintained; crown protects against cracks |
| Extraction | Remove a severely damaged/infected tooth | A$250–A$450 (simple); A$350–A$700+ (surgical/complex) | 1–3 days for simple; up to a week if surgical | Gap can cause tilting/shifting; plan for replacement to restore chewing |
| Replacement After Extraction | Restore function/aesthetics | Implant + crown A$4,000–A$7,000 per tooth (typical); bridge A$3,500–A$6,000 | Implant heals over months; bridge faster but uses adjacent teeth | Implant feels most like a natural tooth; bridges/dentures are alternatives |
*Actual fees depend on tooth type, complexity and materials. You’ll receive a written, itemised plan before treatment. Health fund rebates may apply. We offer flexible payment plans.
Our Gentle, Modern Approach
- Local anaesthetic + calm, step-by-step care
- Rubber dam isolation to keep the tooth clean and dry
- Digital X-rays and rotary instrumentation for efficiency
- Crown recommendations when needed to prevent future cracks
Not sure which option is best? We’ll explain the findings and give you clear choices with costs, pros and cons.
Recovery After a Root Canal
- Expect mild tenderness 24–72 hours; take pain relief as directed
- Chew on the other side until your permanent crown/filling is placed
- Call us if pain worsens or swelling develops
Recovery After an Extraction
- Gauze pressure for bleeding; avoid smoking and straws
- Soft foods for a few days; salt-water rinses after 24 hours
- Contact us for persistent bleeding, severe pain or fever
Local, Convenient Care Above IGA
Suite 103/33 Lytton Road, East Brisbane QLD 4169 • Minutes from Woolloongabba • Free on-site parking.
Prevention Tips
- Treat small cavities early — they’re easier and cheaper than late-stage infections
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports
- Don’t ignore lingering sensitivity to hot/cold or biting
- Regular check-ups catch cracks and decay before they become painful
Ready to Decide?
We’ll examine the tooth, explain whether it’s restorable, and provide written options (root canal + crown vs extraction + replacement) with transparent fees and payment plans.
Serving Woolloongabba & Surrounds
Still Unsure: Root Canal or Extraction?
Bring your questions — we’ll guide you to a comfortable, practical solution with clear costs and payment options.
