Sometimes, to make the right decision, patients need to work together with their Beamsville dentist. Choosing between a root canal vs extraction and dental implants is among the many decisions a patient can make. Unfortunately, you need to make a prompt decision between these options. Waiting too long can affect the success of the dental treatment.
Understanding the difference between a root canal procedure and a dental extraction and implant can help you make the right choice. While both methods tackle mouth issues, they do so using diverse approaches.
When to Choose a Root Canal?
Many factors come into play, such as the tooth’s potential for restoration, its appearance, and its cost-effectiveness. If you’re contemplating a root canal, here are essential aspects to think about:
- Patients understand treatment expenses and alternatives to root canal treatments. Some patients prioritize keeping their own teeth, but implant costs are often similar to or lower than root canal costs.
- The longevity of the treatment is a crucial deciding factor. Around 50% of root canal treatments face fractures in the first decade, often leading to tooth loss. Implants tend to outlast root canals, offering better long-term value.
- Patients should understand the treatment process involved in root canals. Root canals require multiple visits, conscious patients, and extended healing. Implant treatment consists of three stages and can be done with local or general anesthesia.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Root Canal
Root canal patients may undergo 2 to 3 treatments, which can take place over several weeks instead of months. It can take about a week for patients to recover from the treatment. However, sensitivity in the treated tooth may be experienced by some patients for several weeks. Unlike extraction and dental implants, a root canal can save your natural tooth.
On the other hand, delaying root canal therapy can affect the success rate of the treatment. Unfortunately, many people are hesitant about the procedure. However, the procedure is no more painful than a longer recovery tooth filling.
When Are Dental Implants Recommended?
Dental implants should be considered when a tooth has limited structure above the gum line, or it’s fractured or decayed below it. Patients under 18 might require root canals to maintain space until implants are viable after growth ceases.
Immediate implant placement after tooth removal is ideal. This approach ensures a single procedure and recovery period. Without prompt placement, the jawbone shrinks, necessitating additional bone graft procedures. Adjacent teeth may shift, causing misalignment.
Dental implants in Brampton offer a durable solution for broken or dead teeth that can’t be restored with fillings. Once placed, they can last decades due to their decay-resistant nature.
Pros and Cons of Extraction and Implants
Replacing an extracted tooth with an implant preserves your smile and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting. Implants also enhance the stability of dentures or bridges. Extraction and implantation provide an alternative when root canal treatment is not viable. This approach suits those with broken or knocked-out teeth. Implants look natural and can last a lifetime, unlike bridges that may last a decade.
On the other hand, the extraction and implant process takes longer than a root canal. Healing, post placement, jawbone growth around the post, and crown placement are sequential steps.
Root canals are not always viable. Implants fill gaps, providing a natural appearance and facilitating comfortable eating and speaking. The collaboration between patients and dentists in choosing between a root canal and an implant is crucial. Understanding the right timing and benefits of each procedure ensures optimal oral health and overall well-being.