An infected tooth is a problem that needs a fast solution to prevent further health complications and potential tooth loss. Signs you have an infected tooth include persistent discomfort, intense sensitivity to hot or cold, and tooth discolouration.
If you have any of these symptoms, chances are you want an effective treatment that gets you results fast. Is that treatment a dental implant or a root canal?
While only your dentist can offer personalised advice on treatments, you can learn the basic comparison of a dental implant vs a root canal to help decide which treatment is right for you.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental treatment that preserves your natural tooth while removing infected or decaying tissue. The dentist drills deep into the tooth to access the infected pulp. Once all the infected tissue is removed, your tooth is filled, sealed, and topped with a crown. You’ll receive a local anaesthetic before the treatment, resulting in minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy preserves and reinforces your natural tooth, allowing you to maintain your smile. The process can be completed in as few as two visits to the dentist’s surgery, with the second appointment placing a permanent crown on your tooth.
Disadvantages of Root Canal Therapy
You may have to undergo multiple treatments with root canal therapy. If not all infected tissue was removed or additional decay occurs, your dentist may recommend another root canal. Your tooth will be sealed with a rubber compound called gutta-percha and topped with a crown after the root canal. Root canals also have a lower success rate than dental implants, with only 93% of root canals lasting over 10 years.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are fabricated teeth replacements.
A dental implant can replace a single tooth, while an implant-supported bridge or All-on-4 implant can replace multiple teeth.
Your dentist anchors the dental implant in your jaw using a titanium post under local anaesthetic.
Dental implants are custom manufactured to match your original tooth’s shape and colour.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants require the dentist to remove your infected tooth. You won’t have to worry about returning infections or additional decay requiring more procedures. Dental implants are permanent and durable and look natural in your mouth. Each dental implant is customised. A dental implant has a high success rate, won’t decay and never needs to be filled. Get a free consultation at your local dental clinic to better understand the benefits.
Cons of Dental Implants
It can take longer to receive your root canal vs dental implant. Most standard dental implant procedures require 3-6 months of healing time to allow for the implant to fuse with the jawbone before placing the abutment and crown. However, there are several advances in dental implant technology that can offer same-day dental implants.
How to Choose Between Dental Implant or Root Canal
When it comes to an infected tooth, you want a solution that works. Both dental implants and root canal therapy are effective treatments. Dental implants offer a long-term, durable solution that mimics your natural teeth. Root canal therapy preserves your natural tooth but may result in additional treatments in the future or eventual tooth loss.
It’s a personal choice, but your dentist can help you determine if a root canal vs dental implant is best for your oral health. Call Digital Dental Implant Institute on (02) 4058 2836 to book your initial free consultation and find out how to restore your smile with a dental implant.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
