Root Canal Vs Implant: In the past, dentists and oral surgeons often referred to a tooth with root canal treatment as “dead.” Today, experts know that a tooth with a root canal is not dead but diseased. The good news is that today’s dentists and oral surgeons are much more likely to recommend treatment than before. If you have been in pain or have found it difficult to chew for several weeks, you may be experiencing symptoms of infected roots — or dental roots as they are often referred to. The infection could either be bacterial or due to the pulp becoming exposed. This article will discuss the differences between getting a root canal versus a dental implant so that you can make an informed decision when seeking treatment in the future.
Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment is used to address a tooth that is severely decayed or broken. However, if you have a toothache, you may be wondering, “Do I have a root canal infection?” If you experience pain in your tooth that doesn’t seem to stop, you may have a root canal infection. The most common symptoms of a root canal infection are pain, pain that isn’t controlled by painkillers, sensitivity to heat or cold in the tooth, swelling in the jaw near the infected tooth, and tenderness when chewing.
Both a bacterial infection and pulp exposure can cause the same symptoms, so it can be difficult to determine which infection you’re experiencing. If you’re not sure what the cause of your pain is, schedule an appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is a medical device placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Missing teeth can negatively affect your oral health and your overall quality of life. By replacing lost teeth, dental implants prevent you from losing other teeth and keep your mouth healthy. While dental implants may be your preferred treatment option, they are not the same as a root canal.
Rather, they are used to replace missing teeth by fusing with your jawbone. A root canal is used to treat decayed or broken teeth that require removal. Unlike dental implants, root canal treatments require removing infected tissue from inside your tooth, followed by filling the tooth with a material to seal it.
How is a root canal performed?
There are different ways to perform a root canal, but we’ll focus on the most common approach. First, your dentist or oral surgeon will numb the area around your tooth. He or she will then open your infected tooth, remove any decayed tissue, and clean out the bacteria and infection inside the root canals.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will then fill the root canals with a special material used to seal the canals. This material will prevent bacteria from entering the tooth and infecting it again in the future. The dentist or oral surgeon will then close your tooth, usually with a filling or crown, and prescribe antibiotics to treat your infection.
Benefits of root canal treatment vs implant
- Eliminates the source of infection – Root canals are used to treat infections in the pulp or root of your tooth. Once the root canal is completed, the infection is eliminated and no longer present in the tooth. This will prevent the infection from coming back and causing further problems.
- Keeps the tooth from needing to be extracted – If left untreated, root canal infections can spread to other teeth. If the infection spreads, the teeth may need to be extracted. While the tooth may still need to be removed, root canals can help keep your teeth from being pulled and increase your chances of saving them.
Disadvantages of root canal treatment vs implant
- Longer healing time – Although root canals can be finished in one visit, the healing process takes longer. Depending on how severe the infection is, you may need to see your dentist or oral surgeon every two weeks for a few months for follow-up appointments.
- Significant pain – While the pain during the procedure is usually minimal, the amount of pain after the procedure varies by patient. If your infection is severe, the pain you experience while healing will be significant.
Disadvantages of implants vs root canal
- More expensive than root canals – While dental implants are more expensive than root canals. Their cost may be covered by insurance, especially if you have a dental plan.
- Longer healing time – Although dental implants are typically done in one visit. The healing process is longer than a root canal. Depending on the severity of your infection. You may need to return to the dentist every two weeks during the healing process.
Conclusion
Root canals and dental implants are both used to treat teeth that are infected or broken. While they are both effective treatment options, they do vary in a few ways. A root canal procedure involves removing infected tissue from inside a tooth and filling the tooth with a material to seal it. In contrast, dental implants are placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Whether you choose a root canal or dental implant. By finding a dentist or oral surgeon who is experienced in the procedure, you can expect the best results.
