You're sitting in the dentist's chair and they give you two options: save the tooth with a root canal, or pull it. Which one should you choose?
The short answer: save the tooth. Almost always. Here's why — and how much each option actually costs in Los Algodones compared to the United States.
Root Canal: Save Your Natural Tooth
A root canal removes the infected pulp inside your tooth, cleans the canals, and seals them. Your natural tooth stays in place. A crown goes on top to protect it. The whole process takes 1-2 visits. Pros: preserves your natural tooth, maintains jawbone density, no shifting of adjacent teeth, 95%+ success rate, completed in 1-2 visits, one-time cost. Cost in Los Algodones: Root canal from $180 (algodones.mx exclusive rate) + post $70 + zirconia crown $350 = $600-$970 total. Cost in the USA: $700-$2,000 for the root canal + $1,100-$1,700 for the crown = $1,800-$3,700 total.Extraction: Remove the Tooth
An extraction removes the tooth entirely. Simple extractions cost less upfront — but you'll need a replacement. Without one, adjacent teeth shift, bone loss begins, and your bite changes. Replacement options after extraction: Dental implant: $750-$1,800 in Los Algodones ($3,000-$5,500 USA). Best option but requires surgery and 3-6 months of healing. A crown on top adds $350-$500. Dental bridge: $600-$1,200 in Los Algodones. Requires grinding down two healthy adjacent teeth. Lasts 10-15 years. Denture (partial): $400-$800 in Los Algodones. Least expensive but least comfortable and least natural-looking.Real Cost Comparison
Root canal + crown: $600-$970 in Los Algodones. One-time fix. Done in 2 visits. Extraction + implant + crown: $1,200-$2,300 in Los Algodones. Requires surgery. 3-6 month process. Extraction + bridge: $600-$1,200 in Los Algodones. Sacrifices two healthy teeth. Needs replacement in 10-15 years. Extraction + nothing: $60-$100 in Los Algodones. Cheapest today but leads to bone loss, shifting, and more expensive problems later.When Extraction Is the Better Choice
There are cases where extraction makes more sense: the tooth is cracked below the gumline, severe bone loss around the tooth, previous root canal has failed and retreatment isn't viable, or the tooth is a wisdom tooth with no functional value. Your dentist in Los Algodones will give you an honest recommendation after examining your X-rays. The initial consultation and digital X-rays are free at most clinics.The Bottom Line
If your tooth can be saved, save it. A root canal at $180-$400 in Los Algodones is less than half the cost of the cheapest replacement option — and it keeps your natural tooth for life.
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