When your dentist asks you to choose between endodontic treatment, known more commonly as a root canal, and tooth extraction followed by an implant, it all comes down to your tooth’s condition. Both procedures are perfectly capable of restoring your chewing ability and jaw support. However, they’re quite different procedures. Before you decide which procedure you should take, it’s important to compare both of them so you can make an informed decision.
Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment or root canal therapy involves cleaning out the center of the tooth, called the pulp or root canal, of all infected damaged or dead tissue. It involves making a small hole into the tooth’s pulp chamber and then cleaning it out. Once the canal is cleaned out, a rubber-like material called gutta-percha is inserted into the canal, along with a filling material. Once the root canal is sealed, a crown is placed over the tooth for added protection.
Endodontic treatment is a common procedure for dealing with an infected or inflamed canal. It is widely considered to be a fast and effective procedure.
In most cases, endodontic treatment is performed under local anesthesia using a handpiece. However, some cases may require general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
Dental Extraction and Implant Placement
A permanent solution to tooth decay (especially cavities) is to remove the tooth and replace it. This is where dental extraction comes in. Once the dentist takes out the damaged tooth, a dental implant is placed in the extracted tooth’s remaining hole. A dental implant is a metal cylinder that is placed into the jawbone. The metal cylinder acts as a tooth root, while a crown is positioned on top of it to hold the replacement tooth in place.
A dental extraction is one of the safest and quickest procedures around. It’s also cost-effective, which is why it’s becoming increasingly popular with patients.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and can easily be performed by an oral surgeon in an office setting.
Pros and Cons of Both Procedures
Endodontic treatment is a more invasive procedure that carries a higher risk of complications. It also involves more time to perform and requires more time to heal. On the other hand, root canal therapy has a high success rate. If successful, the tooth may remain in your mouth for many years with little to no discomfort.
When compared to root canal therapy, dental extraction and implant placement may seem like a more drastic procedure. On the contrary, it’s a fairly simple process. It involves less time, little pain, and even less recovery time. It’s also a cost-effective option that may improve the quality of your life.
Which Treatment Should You Choose?
As always, the choice of treatment comes down to your preference, as well as your insurance policy. Both procedures can improve the quality of your life and prevent further complications in the future.
Root canal therapy is a widely used procedure that can help save your teeth, providing you with a permanent solution to the underlying problem. With dental extraction and implant placement, you’re trading one tooth for another that is guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Conclusion
The choice of treatment is up to you. Both procedures are proven to restore your chewing ability and can help you maintain your oral and overall health for years to come. However, their success rate, cost, and time required to heal may vary, which is why it’s essential to gather as much information as possible before making a final decision.
For any tooth-related issues, it pays to have a specialist you can rely on. That’s why Dr. Michael Sargent, DDS, and his team at Chelmsford Dental Specialists Group are here to take care of you. We believe in making patients an active part of the dental care process to make sure you get the level of service you need. Our Chelmsford dental office is open on weekdays and Saturdays to welcome you. Contact us today to book an appointment.
