A cavity detected early enough can usually be treated with a simple filling. If it gets through the enamel though, it can compromise the supporting tissues inside the tooth and lead to severe discomfort. In this case, your dentist may suggest a more extensive treatment to alleviate pain and prevent further damage.
Two of the treatment options available for such cases are root canal therapy and dental implants. While both involve removing the infection along with restoring the appearance and function of the damaged tooth, there are some essential differences between the two.
A comparison: root canal vs dental implant
A root canal, or root canal therapy, entails cleaning out the infected tissue from inside the tooth and then sealing it off to protect it, leaving the natural root in place. A dental implant on the other hand replaces the entire tooth, including the root. Aside from this basic difference, there are a few more factors to take into consideration when selecting between them.
At Advanced Dental Implant Center we aim to restore your comfort, health, and confidence as efficiently as possible when your teeth have been damaged. This includes providing you with all the information you need to take the uncertainty out of treatment decisions. We make sure of this by providing your first consultation directly with a dental specialist, who carries out a thorough assessment of your needs and dental condition as well as answering any questions you may have about your options.
If you’d like more information in the meantime, we’ll clarify the main differences between a root canal and dental implant here.
What is a root canal?
A root canal, or root canal therapy, is a procedure carried out to clean infection from the interior of the tooth. It involves removal of any infected tissue, as well as the pulp and nerves inside the tooth, after which the root is filled with a substance called gutta percha. A filling or crown is used to seal off and protect the root, depending on how much of the natural crown can be preserved.
Root canal pros
- Preserves natural tooth and root
- Quick procedure
- Affordable
- Reduced impact on gums and jaw
Root canal cons
- Can weaken tooth
- Tooth can still decay
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a permanent replacement for missing or damaged teeth. It consists of a metal or ceramic implant fixture which is surgically inserted in the jawbone, supporting a replacement crown above. The implant fixture and crown are connected by an interior abutment, which allows for customized placement and fitting.
Dental Implant Pros
- Permanent solution
- Not susceptible to decay
- Customized to mimic natural appearance and function
- Benefits to jawbone health
Dental Implant Cons
- Higher initial investment
- Involves surgery
- May require additional procedures
Differences between a root canal and dental implant
Dental implants and root canal treatments both result in the restoration of damaged or missing teeth, preventing undue strain and misalignment in the remaining teeth and helping to preserve jawbone integrity. That said, they achieve this result in very different ways and have different requirements for successful treatment. Let’s take a closer look.
| Root canal | Dental implant | |
| Usage | Restoration of partially damaged tooth | Replacement of severely damaged or missing tooth |
| Oral health requirements | Affected tooth needs to be sturdy enough to support the restoration | Underlying jawbone needs to be in suitable condition to support the implant |
| Oral health benefits | Preserves structure of natural tooth and supporting tissues | Supports jawbone health and replaces missing teeth when natural teeth are compromised |
| Success Rate and Durability | Root canal treatments have a 95% success rate initially but need to be repaired within 5 – 15 years | Dental implants have a 99% success rate and are expected to last anywhere from 20 years to a lifetime |
| Procedure | Carried out under local anesthetic: tooth is opened to clean out infection and pulp; root is filled and then sealed with dental filling or crown | Surgical procedure: implant fixtures inserted in jawbone; abutment and crown can be fitted on the same day or in some cases after a healing period |
| Timeline | Cleaning and filling of root canal: 1-2 hours
Manufacture of crown: 1 hour – 2 weeks Fitting of crown: 1-2 hours |
Tooth extraction: 1-2 hours
Possible healing period: 3-4 months Implant surgery: 1-2 hours Possible healing period: 3-6 months |
| Risks | Chance of trapped infection or nerve tissue with risk of reinfection and sensitivity | Potential for surgical complications or implant failure |
| Cost | A root canal with a crown typically costs $800 to $1500 | A single dental implant can cost between $3000 and $6000 |
Choosing the best option for you: factors to consider
Health
Aside from your current state of oral health, your future dental needs can also weigh in on your decision between a root canal vs dental implant. Preserving the natural tooth is ideal but might not be the best course of action if there is a high chance of reinfection or structural failure in the future. In patients with compromised jawbone health, dental implants can actually improve stimulation to the surrounding tissues, supporting better bone density.
Lifestyle and Preference
The timeline for dental implants may seem off-putting, but most patients these days are eligible for same-day procedures, allowing them to leave the implant surgery appointment with a new tooth already in place.
Implant surgery still involves a lengthier recovery period however, so some people might nonetheless prefer the less invasive root canal option if possible. Preserving the natural tooth is the main priority for some patients, while others are looking for a once-off solution to restore the appearance of their smile. There are many considerations like these that your dental specialist will go over with you in your initial assessment.
Budget
The price of both treatments can vary significantly based on the type and position of affected tooth, the extent of decay or deterioration, and need for additional treatments like fitting a crown for a root canal, or prior extraction of the remains of the tooth for an implant.
Despite the variability, even with a crown root canal therapy is more affordable upfront than a dental implant, and is more likely to be covered by dental insurance. However, because many patients approach dental implants as a life investment, there are a number of financing options available to help make the costs of implants more manageable.
Get Advice From The Experts
At the Advanced Dental Implant Center network of clinics we specialize in dental restorations and have carried out thousands of these procedures with fantastic results. Your initial consultation, including imaging and diagnostics, will be carried out at no charge, providing you with the personalized information you need to make an informed decision.
Put your dental health in the best hands – book a consultation with Advanced Dental Implant Center today.
FAQ
Is it better to get a root canal or implant?
A dental implant provides a long-lasting solution for severely damaged or compromised teeth, whereas root canal treatment can sometimes preserve the natural tooth and connected tissues. Which treatment is best depends on the condition of the affected tooth and patient preferences.
What hurts more, a root canal or a dental implant?
With proper post-procedural care and pain management, neither dental implants nor root canal treatment should cause significant pain. However, since dental implants involve minor oral surgery, some inflammation and adjustment is normal in the week or two following.
Is it better to get a root canal or tooth extraction?
If possible, it is better to undergo root canal treatment than to have a tooth extracted. However, if the tooth or surrounding tissues is too badly deteriorated an extraction might be unavoidable. In this case a dental implant may be a suitable option to restore the appearance and function of the missing tooth and help preserve the underlying bone.
