Deciding on a dental implant or root canal can be challenging. For an individual, understanding the differences between these two allows better decision-making during dental consultations. Dental implants are a surgical procedure that entails removing and replacing the entire decayed or damaged tooth.
At the same time, root canal treatment involves the removal of dead nerves that develop due to deep extension of decay into the tooth or when teeth experience trauma such as bike accidents. However, the patient must consider several factors before deciding on a dental implant or root canal treatment.
Life Expectancy
Dental implant life expectancy is for a lifetime hence giving more service to the patient compared to the root canal, which can only go for one to ten years. In addition, the success rate differs, with a dental implant having a 100% success rate five years after placement, while a root canal has a success rate of below 50% after ten years after treatment.
Time and Costs
Dental appointments for the root canal are between 3-5 meetings, and the procedure takes about 3-4 hours. However, dental implants only have 1-2 dental surgical hours and only take a maximum of three dental appointments. In addition, dental implants are more costly than root canal treatment.
Decaying Process
Moreover, dental implants do not go through decay like regular teeth, and they are less susceptible to gum diseases and are less prone to breaking and cracking; hence are preferred to root canal treatment. However, root canals become easily infected by diseases and are easily breakable since they become brittle over time.
Choosing between dental implants and a root canal depends on the patient. While both treatments have their share of benefits, consultations with a professional oral specialist can be an added advantage.
Our Blog | Rai Oral Surgery & Dental Implants | Virginia Beach Shaun B. Rai DMD has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Please read below and then call us today! Rai Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, 933 First Colonial Road #205, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 + (757) 777-9883 + raioralsurgery.com + 12/5/2024 + Associated Words: oral surgeon Virginia Beach VA +