DrDad’s answer: My personal benchmark is about three years. If I believe evidence-based treatment gives the tooth a reasonable chance of lasting at least around three years, I am much more interested in trying to save the natural tooth. That is my clinical benchmark, not a universal dental rule.
If I don’t think the tooth can reasonably give the patient that kind of service, then I start having a more serious conversation about extraction, bone grafting when appropriate, and replacement options such as an implant.
In my own practice, I also stand behind this philosophy financially: if treatment I performed fails within three years and the patient needs another treatment, my practice policy is to credit the cost of the original treatment toward the next treatment, with the patient paying the difference. That is my own office policy, not an industry standard.
What I Would Ask Your Dentist
If we save this tooth, what is its realistic prognosis? If we remove it, what comes next—and what are the total time and cost?
DrDad Tips
Don’t compare “root canal today” with “extraction today.” Compare the complete future of both choices.
Educational information only. Whether a tooth is restorable requires an individual clinical evaluation.