15 March 2023
Do you have any teeth that are abscessed, diseased, dead, or non-vital? If so, your dentist might suggest considering a dental implant or a root canal to fix the problem. Dental implants and root canals are different therapies for the same dental issue. However, their success rates are comparable.
You have two treatment options for the same troublesome teeth in your mouth. But how can you know which one is best for you? Let’s first examine each dental treatment strategy in depth.
What Is the Root Canal Procedure?
Treatment for teeth with dead nerves or pulp involves root canal therapy. The infected pulp or nerve tissues are removed and cleaned by your dentist to rescue severely decaying teeth. The replacement material will then be used to fill it. Therefore, root canal therapy mummifies your teeth to preserve and repair them. If necessary, your dentist might combine this therapy with a dental crown.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Your severely decayed natural tooth is removed, and a metal post or implant is placed in your jawbone. In contrast to root canal therapy, it removes teeth that are broken or rotten rather than restoring them. Then, to help you chew normally, your dentist will screw on a dental crown.
Root Canal Advantages
The following are some benefits of having a root canal:
- It safeguards natural teeth
In contrast to a dental implant, a root canal preserves your natural tooth, so you can continue to smile naturally. However, you might need a crown to stop the degradation. Your dentist can then affix the crown to the natural tooth structure.
- The process is quicker.
It takes more time to execute a dental implant than a root canal. Typically, the process takes one or two appointments to complete. You will also have to wait a little while to get a permanent crown if one is required.
- Cost-effective alternative
A root canal may cost between $300 and $2,500, which is a substantial advantage compared to dental implants, which cost between $3,000 and $4,500. However, it may be difficult to obtain coverage for implants, although insurance policies typically cover crowns and root canals.
- Process of painless treatment
The root canal operation has a speedy recovery and is painless. Since the dentist won’t be extracting your teeth during the procedure, you won’t have to worry about feeling any pain. In addition, you won’t need to wait for your gums to heal after an extraction.
Dental Implant Advantages
Some elements that can influence the choice between a dental implant and a root canal include:
- Beauty Appeal
A dental implant can still provide great aesthetics even if you lose your natural tooth. It’s because your dentist can make a tooth that matches the colour of your natural teeth and enhances your characteristics.
- Higher Functionality
A dental implant may provide you with high levels of functionality akin to what your natural teeth would provide. You won’t have any trouble speaking or eating, for example. Dental implants, however, may be more functional than your natural teeth if they are positioned correctly.
- It’s Durable
If longevity is your main concern, an implant is your best choice because it can last longer than a root canal. It rarely fails.
Root Canal Disadvantages
A root canal may have additional disadvantages, such as:
- A badly decaying tooth cannot have a root canal.
If a tooth has significant decay or damage, your dentist will not be able to salvage it with a root canal. Furthermore, there’s a danger that the procedure won’t succeed in saving the tooth you want.
- Process difficulties could result in tooth loss.
After undergoing the therapy process, issues may arise. For instance, an abscess could develop if the entire infected pulp is not correctly removed. Tooth extraction could result from the abscess.
- The price without insurance can be higher.
Even while root canals are less expensive than implants, they can still be more costly if you don’t have good insurance coverage. Therefore, before making a decision, you can consult your insurance provider.
Dental Implant Disadvantages
When selecting a dental implant, it will be of great help if you can consider the following the following:
- Your Insurance Might Not Cover Implants
Dental insurance typically does not cover implants. As a result, the price of one tooth might be between $3,000 and $4,500. As a result, it can be out of reach for some people.
- Demands a Time-consuming and Extensive Treatment Process
A dental implant requires an extensive and invasive operation. Your dentist will remove the damaged natural tooth first, giving the gums time to recover. Then they will fix the implants, place the artificial teeth, and monitor the healing process. The jawbone will take time to prepare itself for the treatment.
- Prolonged Recovery Period
You’ll have to wait between treatment rounds while your mouth heals.
How to Choose Between Dental Implants and Root Canals?
Unsure about which option is best for you? Your dentist is the most acceptable person to inform you about the solution. He will assess your dental needs and help you decide between the two. However, your choice will also be influenced by your dental issue, tastes, and financial condition.
You can choose an implant if your tooth has considerable deterioration and you are willing to pay more for treatment. But a root canal may be less invasive and more affordable if you want to save your tooth.
Nevertheless, the cosmetic dentist at Bay Street Dental Group can help whether you choose a root canal or an implant. Dial (03) 9646 2577 or email us at for additional details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dental implant replace a root canal?
Yes, a root canal can be replaced by a dental implant. Your dentist may advise you to have the tooth extracted and replaced with an implant if your root canal fails. The replacement, however, is determined by several variables, including the chance of success, insurance coverage, affordability, dental health, general physical condition, etc.
Which surgery hurts more—a root canal or an implant?
It’s a common misconception that getting a root canal hurts. However, it’s not always the case. It used to be an unpleasant procedure at that time when the oral anaesthetic was a less dependable alternative and frequently not even a choice. However, sedation dentistry and other modern dental methods have made the treatment process painless and comfortable.
Today, neither a root canal procedure nor a dental implant causes excruciating pain or suffering while being treated. When the anaesthetic wears off after a root canal, though, you may experience a little discomfort. However, it will go in a day or two.
On the other hand, dental implant surgery might be a little less uncomfortable. However, you may also experience pain if you have a recent tooth extraction.
Which procedure takes longer, a root canal or a dental implant?
The duration of both procedures is frequently the same. However, the time required for dental implant placement and root canal therapy varies depending on the situation.
For example, cleaning and filling a tooth with several roots takes longer. Additionally, root canal treatment requires more time than a standard dental implant. However, if your dentist extracts a tooth while placing the implant, it can lengthen the duration of your therapy.
Additionally, if the root is complex, tooth extraction may take longer. However, your dentist might have to fill every tooth’s root during root canal therapy. As a result, the implant operation often takes less time than a root canal.
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