Root Canal vs Dental Implant

Stafford Township root canals vs tooth implants

This post from Rotem Dental Care in Toms River concerns root canals and dental implants.

When a tooth’s nerve and pulp becomes infected, a dentist and patient must make a choice of whether to attempt to save the tooth by executing a root canal or to extract the tooth.

There are several factors that influence this determination. These include whether there is an infection in the surrounding bone, the amount and condition of the remaining tooth structure, the strength of the supporting bone, and the presence of gingivitis.

During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp of the tooth are removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries, and lymph vessels. The dentist or endodontist uses files of various sizes to clean out the canals. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material that seals them off.

The root canal is the first step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will probably become dry and brittle. The final steps are the core build-up and crown placement. A durable dental crown protects the remaining tooth, allows normal function, and prevents shifting of the surrounding teeth.

A root canal is usually the most conservative treatment when a root is infected or a tooth has extreme decay or damage. Endodontic treatment has a very high success rate.

But there is always a slight possibility that a tooth with a root canal can have complications down the road. If there was a tiny crack in the treated tooth, it can become re-infected. A tooth with curved roots can be more difficult to fill and they can also become re-infected. Occasionally, the tip of a file can break off in a root during the procedure and cause problems.

Because of the small risk of failure, some individuals wonder if they should consider a dental implant instead of a root canal. This is not a black and white decision. Like root canals, dental implants have a high success rate. But there are risks with dental implants, as well.

If you have been told that a root canal or a dental implant is needed, talk with your dentist about the pros and cons of each procedure.

At Rotem Dental Care in Toms River, we perform root canals and dental implants. We also provide general dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Rotem Dental Care:

732-228-4028

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

355 Lakehurst Rd
Toms River, New Jersey
08755