Introduction
Tooth loss and dental pain are never pleasant. When a tooth sustains severe damage or becomes infected, your dentist may recommend either a dental implant or root canal therapy as your main treatment options.
While both are effective, each serves a different purpose. One is geared toward saving your tooth, while the other involves a complete replacement. So how do you decide which option is best for you?
We aim to resolve any confusion in a straightforward manner. No complicated terminology, just honest and clear insights from your trusted root canal specialists at Darcy Dental.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
The goal of this treatment is to save a tooth when the pulp becomes infected or damaged from decay, trauma, or deep cavities.
A root canal specialist performs the procedure by removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the space, and then sealing the tooth with a filling or crown to ensure lasting protection.
Restoring a tooth is like fixing a broken iPhone. You retain all the parts of the phone, while just fixing the insides to get it to work.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
- Keeps your natural tooth: There’s nothing like the feeling and function of a real tooth.
- Quick recovery: Most patients resume their regular activities after a day or two.
- Cost-effective: A root canal is often cheaper than an implant.
- Prevents bone loss: Your natural root will remain and help keep your jawbone healthy.
Root canal therapy is optimal when your tooth’s outer structure is strong enough and can be salvaged.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants don’t repair an existing tooth. They replace a tooth that is missing. A small titanium post is surgically implanted into your jawbone to act as an artificial root.
A customized crown is placed on the post after a healing period. This gives you a natural looking and lasting replacement tooth. An implant is about starting fresh while a root canal aims to save the tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Extremely durable: They can last many years, even decades, with proper care.
- Natural look and feel: Implants seamlessly blend with your existing teeth.
- Strong bite power: Eat, speak, and smile without reservations.
- Prevents jawbone shrinkage: Implants stimulate bone growth which maintains your facial structure.
When Root Canal Therapy Is the Better Choice
When teeth are still structurally intact, having root canals done is the better option, and here’s why:
- You avoid having to replace your tooth, and you keep the natural one you have.
- Root canals are typically cheaper and quicker to perform than implants.
- There is no surgery, and therefore, no long recovery times.
For example, if you have a cavity that has reached the nerve but the root and the crown are intact, your root canal specialist can easily treat the tooth without having to do an extraction.
At Darcy Dental, we will advise you to under go root canal therapy if we are certain it will preserve your tooth. It is almost always the first and best option to save a natural tooth.
When a Dental Implant Makes More Sense
When your tooth is hopeless, such as a tooth that is cracked below the gum or has considerable decay, a dental implant can be the more reasonable long-term option.
For implants, these conditions are best:
- The tooth you want to replace has a severe fracture or infection, and cannot be restored.
- A root canal that you had done previously has failed.
- There is considerable bone and gum loss.
In these instances, to avoid further issues and ensure that you have a beautiful smile, you can replace your damaged tooth with a premium quality implant.
What About Pain and Recovery?
All procedures are performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedures.
- You may have some soreness after a root canal, which will subside after a day or two, and can be controlled with a pain reliever you purchase at any pharmacy.
- You will experience some discomfort and minor swelling after healing, which will diminish over a week or two after the implant.
Your dentist strives to provide you with utmost comfort, and will provide aftercare instructions.
Cost Considerations: What’s More Affordable?
In Canada, root canal therapy is less expensive than a dental implant.
- Root canal: Typically between $600–$1,200 (plus crown if needed).
- Dental implant: Can range from $3,000–$6,000 per tooth.
Although larger upfront costs are associated with implants, they are also expected to last a lifetime. Consider this as, paying more now to have fewer dental issues.
Your dentist will help you compare your options to ensure they best serve your oral and overall health, and consider your budget and insurance.
What Do Dentists Recommend?
Most experienced dentists and root canal specialists will always attempt to save your natural tooth first. It’s better to save what nature gave you when possible.
Nevertheless, if the tooth saving option will only push the inevitable extraction further down the line, your dentist may suggest an implant to prevent chronic treatments.
At Darcy Dental, we understand and appreciate the need for a case-by-case approach and the need for individualized treatment in order to facilitate an effective solution for your unique smile.
Final Thoughts: Which Option Is Right for You?
There are no standard solutions here. Both root canal treatment and dental implants are valid and effective options. Your choice essentially boils down to:
- Your tooth’s state
- Your dental health
- Your budget and time considerations
When you are able to save the tooth, root canal treatment is the more favorable option. Otherwise, a dental implant will complete your smile and serve you well for many years.
At Darcy Dental, we take the time to explain every option so you can make an informed decision about your oral health.