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The dentist may propose two treatments whenever the pulp in a tooth is infected and damaged—a root canal tooth extraction followed by a dental implant placement implant. Before choosing your treatment, you must know all the aspects of implants vs root canal differences.
We will go through all the elements, including cost, strength, and aesthetics, for you so that you can make the right decision for yourself.
Let’s see what a root canal treatment and a dental implant are.
Root canal treatment is a dental treatment in which the infected pulp is removed from the tooth; the inside is cleaned and disinfected, then filled with therapeutic material and sealed. The primary purpose of root canal treatment is to preserve the remaining tooth structure by minimizing the bacterial load within the tooth to prevent reinfection.
A dental implant is an ideal replacement for natural teeth—a combination of a screw, an abutment, and a crown. Firstly, the titanium screw is adjusted within the jaw in place of the missing tooth. After that, an abutment is attached, forming a connection between the prosthetic crown and the underlying jaw bone.
Temporary veneers are dental coverings crafted to serve as a placeholder for the final, custom-made veneers. Dental professionals meticulously design these thin, tooth-colored shells to offer a temporary aesthetic enhancement while permanent veneers are being fabricated.
They are made of durable materials and custom-fitted to the patient’s teeth, providing a preview of the ultimate smile transformation.
There are multiple differences to consider between dental implants vs root canal treatment:
You can understand the procedural difference between dental implants vs root canals via the following:
The procedure of root canals spans various steps. Firstly, the dentist does a pre-op evaluation to see if the tooth can be saved. Radiographs are taken as well. Before the procedure, anesthesia is given to ensure a pain-free process. Once access is created to the inside of the tooth, the dead pulp is removed by using small files. Frequent irrigation is done to prevent contamination.
Moreover, once the tooth’s pulp chamber is empty and the maximum bacterial load is removed, it is filled with a material known as “Gutta percha.” Gutta-percha is an antimicrobial rubber material that wards off future bacterial attacks.
Lastly, filling is done, and a prosthetic crown is placed after a period of time. It is mandatory to understand that all the steps must be performed carefully and to ensure no loopholes are left for bacteria.
It starts with the review, which includes clinical history, radiographs, digital images, and measurements of bone levels and width. After evaluation, the material of the implant is chosen depending upon the location of the missing tooth, consideration of esthetics, and the patient’s budget.
The implants can be placed in one stage or two stages. In one-stage implants, all parts of the implants are placed in a single appointment. However, in two-stage implants, first, the screw is placed, and the tissue is stitched back again. After 4-6 weeks, once the healing is complete, the gums are opened again, and the remaining parts of the implant are placed.
The affordability of the patient is one of the major priorities. It can be a decisive factor.
Root canal treatments range between $600-$1500. The additional cost is of the crown, which must be placed over the RCT-treated tooth to preserve the remaining tooth structure.
On the contrary, a single dental implant may cost you about $1500-$4200. Dental implants are more costly because their procedure is much more invasive than the root canal. Moreover, an entire tooth replacement is placed rather than a restoration.
About 1-3 appointments are necessary to complete a root canal treatment. After that, an additional 1-2 appointments are required if the crown placement is advised. As far as recovery is concerned, it’s quick and may take up to a few weeks.
On the other hand, the dental implantation process takes up multiple appointments. The process begins with the extraction of the tooth and its healing, which takes about four weeks. After that, implant fabrication and installation take another few sittings. As dental implant procedures are multi-step, each step has its importance. Healing has to be completed after every step to ensure a smooth process.
The durability of both the implants and root canals depends on proper maintenance. Implants can last up to 20 years or more with reasonable care and maintenance.
Secondly, the lifespan of a root canal treatment depends upon the remaining tooth structure and how well the procedure was performed. Patients often need to get a crown as per the dentist’s recommendation. If the RCT-treated tooth is maintained well and there is a crown, it may last for 5-15 years or more.
The answer to this question is relative. If the crack of the tooth has reached the pulp(present in the center of the tooth), it can be restored with a root canal. After the root canal treatment is complete, a crown can be placed over it.
On the contrary, if the crack on the tooth has extended beyond the gum line, it is usually difficult to restore it. Then, the tooth is extracted, and after complete healing, the missing tooth can be replaced with an implant.
You might need a dental implant after a root canal. This might happen if the root canal treatment fails and continues to cause pain and discomfort. Multiple attempts at root canals usually weaken the tooth and are not recommended. In such a case, the root canal-treated tooth is extracted, and then gums and bone heal. After that, the patient can get a dental implant or a fixed or removable partial denture.
The choice between dental implants vs root canal ultimately depends on your requirements and preferences. Your natural teeth can be preserved with a root canal. But in the long run, this treatment is less effective, and after the initial root canal, you might need to have another one every seven to ten years.
The professionals at Hesed Dental can help you decide between dental implants vs root canals. You can get dental implants in NJ from the implant experts at Hesed Dental or even a root canal. It all depends on the condition of your tooth and your budget. Book your consultation today!
Hesed Dental 543 Gorge Road Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
201 941 8877