Dental Implant Vs. Root Canal Article

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Dental Implant vs. Root Canal

When a tooth is compromised, you will have to decide whether to save the tooth with a root canal, or have the tooth pulled and replaced with a dental implant.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but medical studies have consistently showed that the success rates of both procedures are highly similar.

When You Would Need a Root Canal
When a tooth becomes severely infected, the infection can spread to the root of the tooth. When the nerve tissue becomes infected, an abscess can form at the bottom of your tooth. This infection can lead to bone loss around the tooth, as well as swelling in your face and neck. A root canal:

• Removes the infected tooth pulp
• Cleans the inner chamber of the tooth
• Seals the tooth to prevent further infection

Once the tooth has healed from the root canal, it will be filled and a dental crown may be used to restore structure and aesthetics.

Sometimes it can be difficult to detect the need for a root canal because you may not feel any pain right away, but some common symptoms include:

• Severe pain when pressure is applied to the tooth
• Lingering sensitivity after eating hot or cold foods
• Swollen, tender gums
• Tooth discoloration

The only way to determine if you need a root canal is to have an experienced dentist examine the tooth.
Dental Implant vs. Root Canal
When a tooth becomes damaged from infection, you may choose to have the tooth pulled once the infection clears up. The missing tooth can then be replaced with a dental implant. Both dental implants and root canals have success rates well over 90 percent.
When choosing a dental implant or a root canal, consider the following factors:

• Do you want to retain your natural tooth? Many patients choose a root canal simply because it allows them to keep the natural tooth.

• Is cost a factor? Dental implants are generally a more expensive treatment than root canals.

• Are you open to the possibility of follow-up procedures? Dental implants are more likely to require additional maintenance procedures.

• How much time are you willing to dedicate to the treatment? Dental implants require multiple visits to the dentist over four to six months, and root canals are often completed in one appointment.

Which treatment works best for you ultimately depends on your preference and the guidance of your dentist. You may be a better candidate for one or the other, and your dentist can suggest the treatment best suited to your unique case.

For more information about root canals and dental implants, please visit the website of the experienced Clarkston, Georgia dentist Dr. Roderick Cooper at Bella Dental Services.

About Author

Bella Dental provides exceptional general and cosmetic dentistry services to individuals and families throughout the Decatur, Tucker, and Clarkston, Georgia areas.

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