Root Canal vs. Implant; Which one to Choose?

The debate over whether to choose a root canal or an implant focuses on whether to preserve the natural tooth or replace it with a permanent solution. Both treatments restore your smile, but they are applied for different purposes and, therefore, involve different procedures. This article will guide you through the right choice for your dental health by comparing these two options.

Is it Better to Get a Root Canal or an Implant?

When deciding between a root canal vs. implant, it is important to consider the overall health and endurance of your natural tooth versus the benefits of a synthetic replacement. A root canal indicates removing the infected pulp, which cleans the inside of the tooth and seals it. However, an implant replaces the entire tooth with a prosthetic, which is a good option if the tooth is unrepairable. Comparing root canal and dental implant treatments in Arizona involves looking at their different aspects. Here are the root canal vs. implant pros and cons:

Procedure

• Root Canal: It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp inside a tooth, cleaning and disinfecting and then filling and sealing the tooth. The procedure is often completed with a crown to restore the function and protect the tooth.
• Implant: Dental implants involve removing the entire damaged or decayed tooth and preparing the jawbone for surgery, which includes placing a metal post and adding a prosthetic tooth (crown) on the implant after a healing period.

Recovery Time

• Root Canal: Root canal recovery is fast, and most patients get back to their normal activities the next day. They might experience mild pain and sensitivity right after the procedure, but it usually subsides within a few days.
• Implant: It is more invasive and includes a longer healing period. After the metal post is implanted, the bone needs to heal and infuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration, which can take several months. The crown is placed when the healing process is complete.

Effectiveness

• Root Canal: Saves and restores a natural tooth when the infection or damage isn’t too extensive. There is a high success rate regarding root canal treatment, and it can last many years with proper care.
• Implant: Offers a permanent solution to tooth loss and is considered more effective for completely missing or deeply damaged teeth that cannot be saved. Implants also prevent jaw bone loss and maintain the integrity of facial structures.

Longevity

• Root Canal: While a root canal can preserve a tooth for decades, the treated tooth is more fragile than a healthy tooth and subjected to fractures. Eventually, a tooth that has undergone a root canal might still require extraction and replacement with an implant.
• Implant: Dental implants aimed to be a lifelong solution. They are durable and can last a lifetime. However, the crown may need to be replaced due to wear and tear after 10 to 15 years.

Cost

• Root Canal: These are less expensive than implants in general, as root canal vs implant costs vary depending on the complexity of the affected tooth.
• Implant: It is more expensive than root canal treatment. Nonetheless, considering its longevity and its prevention of further dental issues, it might be more cost-effective in the long run.

Suitability

• Root Canal: Best for cases where the tooth’s structure is intact enough to save, especially if it is a front tooth where aesthetic is essential.
• Implant: Ideal for patients who have lost a tooth or where the tooth is too damaged to save. It is also a good option for those who prefer a more permanent solution that doesn’t require any modifications of the adjacent teeth.

Which is More Painful, a Root Canal or an Implant?

Modern dental techniques have greatly reduced the pain resulting from both root canals and implants. Commonly, a root canal might feel like a deep filling procedure and is less invasive than an implant, which involves surgery and a longer recovery period. Pain management during these procedures is highly effective, making both options manageable in terms of discomfort. When recommending a root canal vs implant, the patient’s personal preferences are taken into account.

Which is Healthier: Root Canal or Implant?

The choice between a root canal vs. implant can greatly impact one’s oral health strategy, especially regarding factors such as jawbone integrity and adjacent teeth, the overall health of the patient, and long-term considerations. Here is a look at how each option might impact health:

Root Canal

As the root canal saves and repairs a badly decayed or infected tooth, the primary health benefit of a root canal is preserving the natural tooth that maintains the original tooth structure. This procedure can often be beneficial because it helps maintain proper chewing function and normal bite force, which are advantageous for jawbone health.

Health considerations:

• Tooth Integrity: A tooth that has undergone a root canal may become more brittle and exposed to fracture, which could eventually lead to further dental procedures.
• Infection Risks: There is a risk of residual infection, which might lead to more severe health issues if the root canal is not properly done.

Dental Implant

The healthier option largely depends on individual circumstances. A dental implant preserves the entire tooth by placing it with a prosthetic one. Implants are beneficial when the natural tooth cannot be saved or has already been lost.  Consultation with a dental professional is essential to make the best decision based on health needs and dental goals.

Health considerations:

• Jawbone Health: Implants are often considered for their ability to prevent jawbone deterioration, occurring when teeth are missing. The implant stimulates bone growth, helping maintain the bone structure of the jaw.
• Overall Durability: Root canal vs implant options present different longevity expectations. With proper care, implants do not decay and can last a lifetime. They eliminate the risks associated with potential re-infection of a root canal treatment.

General Considerations

• Invasiveness: Implants are more invasive as they require surgery and a several-month period of healing that involves bone integrating with the implant.
• Preservation of Adjacent Teeth: Implants do not require altering adjacent teeth, whereas a tooth treated with a root canal may need a crown.
• Success Rates: Both procedures have high success rates but can fail under certain conditions. Implant failures can be due to infection, lack of bone density, or improper care, while root canal failures are typically due to unresolved infection or structural problems in the tooth.

Do Implants Last Longer than Root Canals?

Patients often wonder whether a root canal vs. implant will offer a more durable solution to their dental problems, with implants typically providing a longer-lasting fix. Dental implants are made as a permanent solution. With proper care, which includes considering oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, implants can last upwards of 25 years to a lifetime. Their longevity also depends on factors like the location of the implant and the patient’s overall health.

Root Canal and Implant Near Me in Arizona

Looking for expert advice on whether to choose a root canal or an implant? Contact and schedule your consultation at Atrium Dental today! Our professional dental team is ready to help you make the best decision for your oral health and restore your smile!

Conclusion

Choosing between a root canal and an implant depends largely on the condition of the tooth, the patient’s overall oral and general health, and their long-term dental needs. Also, root canal vs implant discussions should include an analysis of future dental health impacts, ensuring that the chosen method aligns with long-term oral care goals.

FAQs

How risky is a dental implant?

Dental implants are considered low-risk initially when performed by experienced professionals. However, risks can include infection, damage to surrounding areas, and implant failure.

Who should not get dental implants?

Those with considerable bone loss, certain chronic illnesses, heavy smokers, or those with poor oral hygiene are not ideal candidates for dental implants.

What happens if I decide not to get a tooth implant?

Implanting after an extraction can lead to bone loss and potential changes to your facial structure and chewing function.