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Can’t Afford a Root Canal? Here’s What Happens If You Pull the Tooth Instead
Root canals have a reputation. They’re expensive. They sound scary. And if your tooth doesn’t hurt that bad, it’s tempting to just get it pulled. Quick. Cheap. Done.
But what feels like a shortcut can lead to long-term problems—financial, functional, and even cosmetic. If you’re in Kansas and debating whether to save your tooth or remove it, this guide will walk you through your options, consequences, and costs.
Let’s break down what happens when you don’t save a tooth—and how to make the smartest choice for your smile and your budget.
What Does a Root Canal Actually Do?
A root canal saves your natural tooth by removing the infected pulp inside and sealing it to prevent future damage. Contrary to the horror stories, modern root canals are no more painful than getting a filling.
When done right, the tooth can last a lifetime with a crown on top. That means you keep your natural bite, your facial structure, and your smile intact.
What Happens If You Just Pull the Tooth?
Tooth extractions may seem like the easy way out, especially if you’re tight on money. But there’s more to it than a gap in your smile. Here’s what actually happens:
Your Teeth Shift
The teeth around the missing one begin to drift, creating misalignment. That can throw off your bite and make chewing uneven—and uncomfortable.
Bone Loss Begins
Without the tooth root to stimulate your jawbone, the bone begins to shrink over time. This can cause a sunken appearance in your face and affect your neighboring teeth.
You May Need a Denture or Implant Anyway
Once the tooth is gone, you’ll likely need a replacement—like a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. That adds new costs, appointments, and decisions.
The Real Cost Breakdown: Extraction vs. Root Canal
If you’re weighing your options, here’s a simple cost comparison in Kansas:
- Tooth Extraction: $150–$350 (simple)
- Root Canal + Crown: $1,000–$2,500
- Dental Implant (to replace an extracted tooth): $3,000–$6,000
It’s no contest in the short-term—but when you factor in the long-term need for a replacement, pulling the tooth could end up costing you more.
At Love to Smile, we’re always upfront about pricing and offer flexible financing options so you don’t have to compromise your care.
When Extraction Is the Better Option
There are times when pulling the tooth actually makes more sense:
- The tooth is too damaged to save
- There’s not enough bone support
- You’re planning a full arch solution like dentures or implants soon anyway
- You have a severe infection and can’t afford treatment right away
But even in these cases, it’s crucial to have a long-term replacement plan—and not just leave the space empty.
What If You Just Leave the Gap?
This is the worst option. Doing nothing can lead to:
- More tooth loss
- Shifting bite
- Jawbone deterioration
- Increased risk of gum disease
You’d be surprised how many patients say “it’s just one tooth” and come back a year later with more missing teeth and costly repairs.
Affordable Options for Root Canals in Kansas
We get it—cost is a major concern. That’s why we work hard to offer flexible solutions for patients throughout Overland Park, Peculiar, and surrounding areas.
Here are a few ways to make a root canal more affordable:
1. In-House Membership Plans
Our membership plans include discounts on major procedures and no waiting periods—great for patients without insurance.
2. Third-Party Financing
We accept CareCredit and other financing options to break treatment costs into manageable monthly payments.
3. Phased Treatment Plans
In some cases, we can prioritize what needs to be done now and schedule the rest later—without compromising your health.
Our Honest Recommendation
If the tooth can be saved—save it.
It’s better for your health. It’s better for your bite. And when you zoom out, it’s usually better for your wallet too.
We’ll never pressure you into treatment. But we will always give you the facts, the options, and the support you need to make the right choice.
FAQs About Root Canals and Tooth Extractions
Is it cheaper to pull a tooth or get a root canal?
Pulling a tooth is cheaper short-term, but may cost more long-term once you factor in replacements like implants or bridges.
What happens if I don’t replace an extracted tooth?
You may experience tooth shifting, jawbone loss, gum disease, and further complications down the road.
Is a root canal painful?
Not with modern techniques! Most patients say it feels no worse than getting a filling.
Can I wait to get a root canal?
Delaying treatment can worsen the infection and may lead to more invasive (and expensive) procedures later.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking, “Can’t I just pull it?”—pause and consider the big picture.
Saving your tooth often saves your money, your confidence, and your health in the long run.
Need help figuring out the best option for your situation? Contact us today. At Love to Smile, we’ll work with you to find a solution that fits your goals—and your budget.