Your dentist’s job is to save your tooth, and they try as many options as possible to find the most suitable way of dealing with your dental queries. Having dental caries is not a good sign; if left untreated can lead to pulp/root infection, which you do not want. But even if this does happen, your dentist has 2 choices: A root canal vs a dental implant. So, which one is better?
Root Canal Procedure
A root canal treats an infected tooth root. The procedure involves removing the infection inside the tooth, i.e., the pulp, followed by cleaning the insides.
Your pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that help keep the tooth alive; however, in case of bacterial manifestation, an infected root causes sharp pain and can even cause tooth death if left untreated.
A root canal is a safe and effective procedure to save teeth that may otherwise need an extraction.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that support your crown, bridge, or denture. They are typical of titanium or a titanium alloy material surgically inserted into the jawbone.
Once the implant is in place, bone ossification will take place. Your bone tissues around it will grow to secure the implant in the jaw. After the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to it.
Dental implants are a structure vs root canal which is a process. The former is a popular choice for replacing missing teeth because they look and function just like your natural teeth.
They are a good option if you have lost your teeth due to injury or disease, as they can help preserve your jawbone’s integrity. Dental implants last for many years with proper aftercare.
Root Canal vs. Dental Implants: Advantages
Your dentist has given you the word; it’s time to make the painful decision of root canal vs dental implant.
It is crucial to understand how much they differ and the advantages of each.
Positive Results
Dental implants are most successful with a rate of 90% vs root canals ranging between 80 to 90%. The former has a 1% risk of infection after placement.
Although root canals are highly successful, they are still lesser than dental implants. In certain cases, root canals need a revamp after 5-10 years from the initial procedure.
Cost
A dental implant insertion procedure is an invasive surgical process. That is why it is more expensive compared to root canals.
A dentist typically charges anywhere from $700 to $1,500 per tooth for a root canal. On the other hand, a dental implant ranges from $3,000 to $5,000.
Usually, people lack dental insurance, which makes root canals the more financially accurate choice.
Time
Root canals vs dental implants need not more than 1 to 3 visits to the dentists. However, a dental implant process may take 6 months to a year of your life to complete.
That is why, because of the lengthy time of an implant, patients opt for a root canal instead to spend less time on the procedure and recovery.
Invasiveness
Root canals are generally less invasive than dental implants to preserve your natural tooth.
A dental implant replaces your naturally damaged/ missing tooth. In this process, bone ossification is a must making the entire process quite deep and invasive. In contrast, there is no such requirement when it comes to root canals.
Final Words
Making the right choice is crucial for good oral health. Do not worry; your dentist will accompany you in your smile restoration journey. Both root canals and dental implants will help you achieve what you want.
Professionals from Georgetown Elite Dental in George Town, TX, can help. Just give us a call at (737) 444-2626 for help. Or, you can drop by our office located near San Gabriel square.