Damaged and extremely decayed teeth require dental treatment to stop the spread of infection and ensure the problem does not worsen. Two of the most effective methods for treating damaged teeth are dental implants and root canals.
Both treatments have advantages and disadvantages, so when it comes to dental implant vs root canal, which method is the best choice for you?
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a fantastic tooth replacement option for people with a missing or severely damaged tooth. A dental implant is a thin metal rod that looks like a screw and functions as a sturdy artificial root to support a crown, bridge, or denture.
The dental implant procedure involves making a small hole in the jawbone into which the implant is inserted. Over a period of three to six months, the post gradually fuses to the bone, creating a strong base for an artificial tooth. The process is called osseointegration. If appropriate, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown during this period so nobody will notice your missing tooth.
Once the dental implant and bone have fused, a small, ball-shaped connector called an abutment is placed. The abutment sits just above the gum line and securely connects the implant to the artificial tooth. In some cases, the abutment can be fitted at the same times as the dental implant.
The entire procedure is done using local anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure the patient is as comfortable as possible with the highest standards of hygiene, including regular sterilisation of equipment and use of face masks and hand sanitiser.
As soon as the dental implant site has fully healed, and the abutment has been attached, the patient is measured for their artificial tooth. Crowns, bridges, and dentures are customised to each patient, taking the tooth shape, size, and colour into account, so they blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth.
At No Gaps Dental, we offer Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) crowns, which are designed, milled from a single block of zirconium, and fitted all in one appointment thanks to our state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology and milling equipment.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is usually needed when the centre of the tooth, the pulp chamber, becomes infected either as a result of deep tooth decay, a leaky filling, or damage due to trauma such as a fall. If left untreated, the infection can spread and eventually affect your jawbone and cause you to lose your tooth. Symptoms that you have an infection and may need root canal therapy include:
- Pain when chewing or biting.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks.
- Wobbly teeth.
- Gum or facial swelling.
- Darkening or discolouring of the tooth.
- Pus around the tooth.
During root canal therapy, your dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it with a rubber substance called gutta-percha, topped with a crown. This treatment can stop the spread of infection and save your tooth. Although some people are nervous about getting a root canal, it is a simple and relatively quick procedure. If you experience any of the symptoms of infection, you must consult your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Deciding Between Dental Implant Surgery and Root Canal Therapy
Both dental implants and root canals are tried and tested treatments for severely damaged or decayed teeth. There are benefits and drawbacks to both methods, and the decision of which treatment is best must be made on an individual basis. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages can assist you in deciding what is right for you.
Dental Implant vs Root Canal: Function and Longevity
After undergoing either root canal therapy or a dental implant procedure, patients will be able to use their teeth as normal and, as long as you maintain good oral hygiene practices, thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day, there is no reason why you should experience further teeth infections.
Dental implants are admired for their longevity, especially compared to other tooth-replacement methods, such as bridges and dentures. If you look after them well, your dental implant can last you a lifetime.
A concerning issue that you should consider when considering a dental implant vs root canal is that sometimes the root canal cannot save the tooth. Root canal therapy can fail for several reasons. For instance, if there is a fissure or fracture deep beneath the gum, this can make the canal impossible to completely seal, resulting in recurring infections and eventually tooth extraction.
For many people, the major benefit of root canal therapy over dental implants is that it allows them to keep their natural tooth. However, in the case of root canal failure, or if the need for further root canals on the same tooth arises, it may be impossible to save the tooth.
Dental Implant vs Root Canal: Cost
In the short term, root canal therapy is significantly more affordable than dental implant treatment. However, although dental implants may seem expensive at first, you must consider their impressive longevity. For many patients, a dental implant is a one-time-only expense, whereas root canals and other tooth restoration solutions typically need to be replaced.
Another benefit of dental implants is that implants can support more than one artificial tooth. All-on-4 and implant-supported bridges are an excellent and cost-effective option for those suffering from more than one damaged tooth.
Skilled Dentistry in a Safe Environment
If you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth and are unsure if a dental implant or root canal is right for you, our experienced dentists at No Gaps Dental are happy to give you a thorough dental examination and discuss your treatment options with you. Our patients’ comfort and health is our priority.
Whether you choose dental implants or a root canal, it’s essential that your treatment is carried out at a dental practice that has the highest standards in hygiene, as well as dental care. At No Gaps Dental, all our staff are well versed in hygiene practices such as sterilising equipment, using hand sanitiser frequently and wearing face masks.
For safe, skilled dentistry, visit one of our 15 locations in Sydney. Call us today on (02) 8806 0227 to book your initial consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.