Is there any advantage to saving a tooth by a root canal, versus replacing it by an implant?

Answer 1

1. A dental implant will not eventually be rejected by the body. There is a lot of evidence that the bone will grow onto the titanium on the implant.
2 However, implants have only been around for exactly 40 years. But, we're not using the same ones as before, always improving. Therefore, we know nothing about the true longevity of the implant you'll be recieving. Probably you'll be fine.
3. Root canals are proven, have a very high success rate, but depend on who does the RCT, what tooth it is, and the restoration of the crown. It can last upwards of 15-20 yrs.
4. Once you've taken the tooth out, and try an implant. If it doesn't work, you can't go back...
My opinion, and if it was me...RCT. If it fails, get an implant, unless you absolutely can't afford it, then get a partial. but, they're the worst. Couldn't possibly be comfortable, and bone loss will occur at the location of the missing tooth.

Answer 2

A THING IN CONTACT WITH THE NATURAL HUMAN BONE IS ALWAYS BEST FOR THAT OF A NATURAL HUMAN TOOTH.
IF I AS A DENTIST HAD TO MAKE THE SAME CHOICE, I'D ALWAYS OPT FOR SAVING THE TOOTH WITH A ROOT CANAL AND A CROWN RATHER THAN AN IMPLANT.

WHY?

SIMPLE. AN IMPLANT IS A FOREIGN SUBSTANCE WHICH THE BODY WILL AT SOME POINT REJECT. A ROOT CANALED TOOTH ISN'T. SOME OTHER FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
IMPLANT LONGEVITY

Just like your real teeth, implants require very careful cleaning each and every day. Regular dental hygiene appointments are just as important (if not more so). It is true that implants can't decay, but they are susceptible to periodontal problems just like real teeth. Smoking is a factor with implant failure and should be discont inued for long term success. Other very important factors are the correct placement of your implant in secure bone and a very correct bite to minimize stresses - these decisions are made by the doctor directing your care.

There are implants that have been successfully used for over 30 years. Now, with a better understanding of fundamentals and studies performed, we expect implants to be 95%+ successful for 30 years and most likely a lifetime.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE 5% WHICH AREN'T SUCESSFUL AFTER 3O YEARS?

Answer 3

It is not possible to compare root canal with dental implant, whereas advantages of the latter versus a flipper would be more relevant. In that case implant would be an answer.

A root canal and crown done properly followed by good oral hygene may last 10-15 years easily. Dental Implants can always wait until you have exhausted other good options.

Answer 4

first of all forget the implant thing. Of the people that I know that had them they absolutely hate them. They even look nasty after time. My friends mom had to have all the implants taken out cause they too got bad. Either have the tooth pulled and just deal with the space or have a root canal. I had a root canal and it wasn't that bad. Make sure they give you novacaine (sp?) and gas. Also make sure they give you penicillin or something like that. They were supposed to give it to my son and didn't and he ended up with a wopping infection. But for the most part the root canal would be the best if you didn't wanna have it pulled. Hope you feel better.

Answer 5

If there is enough tooth to work with, save your tooth. It's cheaper. It's proven. I don't mean that implants are experimental, but root canal treatment with modern techniques has a good track record for well over 50 years now. A tooth treated with root canal is nature's implant.
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Answer 6

I would go with the root canal. Implants are not all successful and they can take a long time to complete. The implant will also cost many, many times what the root canal will cost.

Answer 7

In my experience... all a root canal does is this :

Suck money out of your wallet and time from your life. I have had two. Each cost a fortune and took several visits to finish. Had I simply gotten the teeth extracted in the first place, it would have saved me a lot of physical and monetary agony.

All having the root canals did for me was buy me a few years with my own teeth... well, the teeth I have now are still MINE... I just wasn't born with them... you get the picture...

Pull 'em. Get an implant or a partial...

Hope this helps.

Answer 8

You know, if you are looking for something that you really won't have to worry that it might need to be redone in about 10-15 yrs, I would say the implant. The initial investment is higher, but long term a dental implant lasts upwards of 30 yrs.

Answer 9

Do the implant!!