Do you have a decayed tooth and are considering either a root canal or a dental implant? Both are suitable treatments, although a dental implant and root canal work differently to manage a damaged tooth.
A root canal is ideal for saving a damaged tooth, especially if there’s enough healthy tissue left that can be preserved and restored together with a dental crown. On the other hand, a dental implant is used to replace a missing tooth that’s beyond repair.
Not sure which one will work better for you? Check out the key differences for each treatment in detail below.
Choose a Root Canal for:
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Tooth saving
If enough of the tooth structure remains and the root is healthy, a root canal may be the best option to save your tooth.
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Faster result
A root canal typically takes approximately 30–90 minutes each session, with more complicated cases taking up to 2 sessions to complete. This timeline is still much shorter than the one needed by dental implants, which typically takes months to finish.
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Less expense
Restoring a damaged tooth with a root canal costs less than replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant treatment.
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No surgery
Root canal is a non-surgical treatment for saving a damaged tooth. It results in less discomfort, with a recovery period that’s shorter compared to that of dental implants.
Choose a Dental Implant to:
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Solve tooth loss
A dental implant replaces a tooth that is lost due to severe decay, trauma, and other reasons. It’s an ideal, non-surgical procedure for a tooth that can’t be saved by other treatments.
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Prevent bone deterioration
The titanium post replaces the natural tooth root and stimulates the jawbone, helping to prevent the bone loss that typically follows tooth extraction. . It protects the jaw from getting progressively thinner over time, which can happen after tooth loss when there’s nothing else to stimulate the bone.
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Replace missing teeth long-term
Dental implants are long-term solutions to tooth loss. When properly cared for, the titanium posts can last decades or even a lifetime.
Save or Replace Damaged Teeth with Dental Treatments in Bradford
Worried about severe tooth decay or a failing tooth? At Pearl Dental, our expert dentists can help you stay pain-free and smile beautifully again. We are a Straumann implant centre offering root canal and dental implant treatments in a calm, caring environment.
It’s time to say goodbye to damaged teeth. Contact us now to save or restore your smile to its healthiest condition.
FAQs
1. How long does a root canal take?
Depending on case complexity, each session can take 30–90 minutes to finish. Typically, the treatment can be completed in just one session, but more complicated cases might take 2 dental visits to be finished successfully.
2. Why do dental implants take so long?
The titanium posts inserted into the jawbone need a few months to fuse with the surrounding tissue. During this time, they build the strong bond that’s needed to secure tooth restorations in place.
3. Which treatment looks better?
Both look great because they use custom-made dental crowns or bridges that are made to look like your natural teeth, restoring the health and beauty of your smile.
4. Can root canal save all damaged teeth?
Not always. The treatment can’t save a tooth that’s badly fractured, in which case it might need to be removed and replaced by a dental implant.
5. Which is more painful, a root canal or a dental implant?
The procedures themselves are not painful because local anaesthesia is used to numb the area. But since a dental implant is surgically inserted, its post-treatment period typically causes more discomfort than a root canal.
6. How does a root canal save a decayed tooth?
The damaged tooth’s canals are thoroughly cleaned and then sealed to protect against further infection. The treated tooth is then topped with a dental crown to restore its healthy appearance and use.
7. How long does a dental implant last?
Typically, implants last for decades and even a lifetime if they’re properly cared for. However, the tooth restorations might need to be replaced sooner if they become worn, damaged, or discoloured.
8, Can you do a root canal on front teeth?
Yes. It’s suitable for restoring front teeth that’s been damaged or infected. A custom-made dental crown is designed to fit perfectly with the rest of the natural teeth for a flawless aesthetic.