Tooth decay, cavities, broken teeth, or even cracked teeth can lead to a lot of pain and increased sensitivity, which is much more than just a minor inconvenience. Some of the options that your dentist is likely to give you might include dental implants or root canal.
What is their Difference?
Both of them are effective choices when it comes down to avoiding extraction and keeping your teeth. The difference is the method of how they go about achieving that. Dental implants Replace the entire tooth with a synthetic version of the tooth. Root canal on the other hand Works to preserve the tooth that you already have essentially treating the problem from the inside out. Whichever way you end up going, know that both strategies work to preserve and promote oral health and the preservation of your smile.
There are certain considerations that must be factored in, though, before you can make a well-informed decision:
Cost – Dental implants require the creation of a synthetic tooth, usually made of porcelain. While root canals, require the use of high-precision equipment to go in and clean deep inside the tooth. Dental implants do tend to cost more than getting a root canal due to the need for extra materials and the process of crafting the tooth, but the cost has gone down considerably over the years thanks to advancements in the technology used.
Longevity – Both solutions can actually last a lifetime, especially when proper oral hygiene habits give them the proper care required. With synthetic teeth, there is no more risk of getting cavities or infections and it’s unlikely that they will break on their own Without the assistance of some serious incident that results in broken teeth. Teeth that have undergone a root canal are far less susceptible to any continued decay assuming that the filling, the dental cap or crown put on the treated tooth for permanent protection remains in place. In this way the natural structure of the tooth remains, but fortified by one of these finishing touches.
Appearance – Both methods preserve the symmetry of your smile by maintaining the completeness of your set of teeth which is the most effective way of seeing to it that your teeth do not fall out of alignment. Alignment problems can occur when there are gaps. As for the physical appearance of treated teeth, dental implants can blend right in perfectly with your natural teeth. This Is because the implant can be created to match the shape, color , texture and function of the tooth it replaced. Appearance can also be preserved in the same way with a root canal treated tooth as long as the crown material that is chosen well to match with the surrounding teeth.
Sources
Dental Implants & Root Canal, American Association of Endodontists
Dental Implants vs. Root Canal Therapy, American Dental Association
Leave a Reply