Root canals and dental implants are two common dental restoration options for addressing decayed, damaged, or infected teeth. Although they require very different procedures and have slightly different outcomes, both result in your ability to chew the foods you love and optimize your oral health. So which is right for you? Read on.
A root canal is a procedure used to treat infection in the pulp of the tooth. Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, involves the removal of the infected pulp and any bacteria that may be present. This is done by using specialized tools to drill a small hole in the tooth, remove the tissue, and decontaminate the canal. The tooth is then filled with replacement material, and the access hole is sealed.
In cases when the natural crown of the tooth has significant decay or damage, a prosthetic crown is put in its place to restore full tooth function.
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that replaces the full crown and root of a tooth. A dental implant involves a surgical-grade titanium screw that’s implanted in the jawbone, a natural-looking prosthetic crown, and the abutment piece that affixes the screw to the crown.
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, which may have been damaged or knocked out in an accident or lost due to decay or other oral health issues.
Dental implants require a surgical procedure, and the full process can take months to complete, but they are also the longest-lasting and most durable tooth replacement option available.
The choice between root canal and dental implant is one your dentist can help you with. As a general rule, however, most dentists will want to save as much of the tooth as possible. When all else is equal, the root canal would likely be the first choice. But some dental issues can only be corrected by one or the other. Each procedure has its own benefits.
The only way to know for sure if you need a root canal or a dental implant is to visit an honest and reputable dentist who will be transparent with you about your oral health and the best options for addressing your concerns.
The ability to eat your favorite foods is one of life’s most wonderful pleasures. When you have tooth pain or difficulty chewing, it gets in the way of your pleasure and warrants a visit to the dentist. Whether you need a root canal or dental implants, Smile Designers is here for you. Give us a call at (619) 222-6000 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hage today.
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