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Is it Better to Have a Root Canal Treatment or a Dental Implant?

If you are currently battling with an abscessed or infected tooth then you may be wondering if it is better to simply have the tooth extracted and an implant placed as opposed to having root canal treatment. This decision does depends on the individual situation, but if Dr David Brown or any of our dentists think your tooth cannot be saved then we will suggest you have it extracted and one of the options for replacement is likely to be a dental implant.

Leeds City Dentalcare Recommends the Most Conservative Treatment Possible

However if we think there is any chance that your tooth may be able to be saved then we will almost certainly recommend you have a root canal treatment. This is a conservative treatment that is often highly successful at saving an infected or damaged tooth, enabling it to be restored to full function through the placement of a dental crown. It is usually a highly successful treatment as the skilled dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare are able to remove the diseased pulp area and can clear up the infection through use of antibiotics if necessary.

It is always better to try to make your natural teeth lost as long as possible, but not at the expense of your oral health. If your tooth is particularly broken down or diseased and is affecting your jawbone then it may be better to extract it. There are also occasions where root canal therapy won’t work, for instance if the tooth has fractured all the way down to the root. In this instance it is better to have it extracted.

Opting for a Dental Implant

Leeds City Dentalcare will always discuss all the options for replacing a lost tooth with you, but there are several valid reasons for considering a dental implant. The first and most important reason is due to the fact that dental implants in Leeds help to protect against bone loss in your jawbone. They are able to do this as they closely replicate natural tooth roots, providing the stimulation necessary to keep your jawbone strong and healthy. Without this stimulation your jawbone will gradually reabsorb as there will be no reason for new bone cells to grow.

The second reason for choosing a dental implant, even to replace just a single missing tooth, is that it can do so in a way that is incredibly natural looking. If you are after excellent aesthetic results, and really don’t want anyone to know you are missing a tooth then a dental implant may be your best option.

The third reason for choosing a dental implant is that it won’t have any negative effects on your adjacent teeth. The alternatives to having a dental implant include a partial denture or a dental bridge. A partial denture may require healthy teeth to be modified in order for the clasps to fit securely in place. Choosing a dental bridge requires the adjacent teeth to be ground down to make room for the crowns that will be attached to the pontic or replacement tooth used to create a dental bridge.

Having a dental implant may take a little longer and might require a few more visits to Leeds City Dentalcare, but is well worth the effort. Dental implants can last for decades, provided they are properly looked after, and look and feel just like natural teeth.

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