Root canal or just get my tooth pulled...which hurts worse?!

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In my honest opinion, the root canal procedure is almost painless. The endodontist (specialist for root canals) will deaden the tooth and you shouldn't feel a thing. You might have some discomfort after the procedure is done. It depends on how well you can handle pain. I've had 3 and the toothache I had before I needed the root canal was a real "pain the the posterior"!

It's been a while since I've had any teeth pulled--32 years ago when I had my wisdom teeth extracted. That wasn't so bad. I didn't need any pain medication, but I have a high tolerance for pain.

Oh, root canals are nothing! Trust me, I am THE biggest baby in the world when it comes to dentists.
I've had 3 root canals and they are just like having a cavity done. No big deal. The only part that hurts a little is the novacain shot. Afterwards you're tooth is a sore, but it's really no big deal at all.

Having a tooth pulled hurts a lot more afterwards than a root canal does, but also it's not that big of a deal.
Just insist that your dentist or specialist give you more novacain if you start to feel any pain.

I promise promise PROMISE root canals are nothing to be scared of.. They just look scary because it looks like they are putting a giant needle deep into you gums, and that freaks people out. They aren't stabbing your gums with a needle though. It's only going into your tooth. Don't let people freak you out. People love to make things sound more painful than they are because it makes them sound tough, but they are usually lying.

A Root Canal *sounds* worse but in the long run, will help you retain your actual tooth and you will keep that tooth to chew on. The worst part of a Root Canal is the cost... you are numb during the procedure so you shouldnt feel pain. They remove the blood supply to the tooth and fill it in with a material called Gutta Percha. Then you either get a filling or a crown to follow it. Expect a RCT to cost $800 and above plus the cost of filling or crown. Extractions ( pulling teeth ) remove the tooth.. then you are left with a hole. You should replace that tooth somehow if you can. Implants, a Bridge or Partials are the way you replace that missing tooth. You can wear a staplate for a while until your gums are healed but they are not meant to last long. I wouldnt worry about a root canal. Id rather have that done ( and I have..no pain ) than an extraction.

Work in dental field for 10 + years

personally, i don't know which hurts the most. in both they will deaden your gum so you can't feel what they are doing. when they pull your teeth when they are finished they will pack the hole with cotton. with a root canal they will have to put stitches in to close the hole up but they will give you something for the pain.

Root Canal hun cause they have to drill your socket and everything and when you get a tooth pulled it just a shoot and out of there but for a root canal that even longer.
& Don't feel bad hun i have to have all mines pulled due to enamal decaying so i have to go to the dentist every week and get 2 pulled.

Root canals are more invasive and involved, thus they hurt more. Whether your teeth are pulled or you get a root canal, you will most likely be given appropriate anesthesia.

I had root canal done and didn't hurt that bad. The nerve is removed so the intense pain will stop. It will just be sore for a few days.

I got a root canal and it didn't hurt that much.