Root Canal Vs. Single Tooth Implant: Which One Is Prescribed By a Dental Specialist?

A root canal is a treatment used to preserve a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, Dr. Arthur Abordo and his team effectively perform this procedure with the primary aim of keeping a tooth that would need to be extracted. After removing the infection or inflammation, the tooth is filled, cleaned, and sealed to stop further infection. Ultimately, a crown is used to repair the tooth or filling for protection.

Alternatively, if a tooth cannot be repaired and has to be removed, a single tooth implant is the solution. He has extensive experience in performing this procedure. It begins with the placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone, a dental implant is placed to replace the missing tooth root.

Indications and Procedures: 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental helps patients decide the best treatment option based on their specific dental condition. Root canals are typically advised when the pulp of a tooth is infected or inflamed. Single-tooth implants are considered when a tooth has been lost due to extraction or severe damage beyond repair.

Recovery Process: Post-procedure recovery varies for both treatments. Typically, a root canal takes one or two appointments. While the implant process stretches over several months it takes time for the jawbone to mend and connect with the titanium.

Success Rate: Both procedures have high success rates at our clinic. Root canal treatments have over a 95% success rate, and single-tooth implants have an even higher success rate, with around 98% of implants lasting for at least 10 years.

Cost and Duration: Root canals are generally less expensive than single-tooth implants, but the cost and duration of both treatments vary depending on the complexity of the case.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

The choice between a root canal and a single tooth implant depends on your specific dental condition, personal preferences, and budget considerations. We will assist you in selecting the appropriate course of treatment based on your own needs.

At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we are committed to delivering excellent dental care that meets your needs and expectations.

At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, Dr. Arthur Abordo and his team are committed to providing comprehensive dental care and guiding patients through the process of making informed decisions about their dental health.
 
Dental Implants: A Long-Term Investment

Dental implants as a solution for severely infected or damaged teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, which are inserted surgically into the jawbone to serve as a solid base for a new tooth. They offer several advantages such as longevity, natural aesthetics, jawbone preservation, and easy maintenance, making them a valuable long-term investment for your oral health.

Root Canals: Saving Natural Teeth

Our team is also skilled at root canal treatments, a procedure designed to preserve a natural tooth that is infected or decayed but still has a viable structure. Root canals have the added benefits of tooth preservation, pain relief, cost-effectiveness, and shorter treatment time and recovery period.

A root canal may be necessary if you experience certain symptoms including severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums, or a recurring pimple often referred to as a dental abscess. Darkening or discoloration of the tooth, a loose tooth, open sores or drainage, gum recession, persistent bad breath or taste in the mouth, painful chewing, and facial pain or pressure can also be signs of a tooth infection.

In some cases, no symptoms may be present, which is why regular dental check-ups at 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental are crucial in maintaining oral health. It is important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent further damage or complications,

A root canal is a common procedure performed at 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, to save a tooth that has been severely infected or damaged. This treatment involves eliminating the infected pulp, cleaning the tooth’s interior, shaping the root canal space, and sealing it with a biocompatible material to prevent further issues.

However, post root canal, the treated tooth often becomes weakened and structurally compromised. In such cases, further restorative treatment might be necessary. Depending on the extent of damage and the remaining tooth structure, a dental implant, one of the many services we provide, may be required to restore the tooth’s function and longevity.

Factors Influencing the Need for a Dental Implant:

● Amount of Remaining Tooth Structure: If a significant amount of tooth structure is left post root canal, a conventional dental restoration like a crown or bridge, both offered at 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, may be sufficient. However, if the remaining tooth structure is minimal, an implant may be the only right option.

● Tooth Position and Function: The location and function of the treated tooth play a role in determining the need for an implant. For instance, molars, which bear significant chewing forces, may require an implant to ensure proper function and prevent further damage.

● Patient’s Overall Health and Bone Condition: The patient’s overall health and the condition of their jawbone are critical considerations. If the patient has underlying medical conditions or insufficient bone density, an implant may not be a suitable option.

Dental treatment is a multifaceted field, encompassing many different procedures designed to address a wide range of oral health conditions. At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, we are often asked by patients about the need for a dental implant versus a root canal. The decision between these two treatments primarily hinges on the condition of your tooth.

When the soft tissue inside a tooth (called the pulp or blood vessels) becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or a crack or chip in the tooth, we often recommend root canal therapy. This process preserves your natural tooth structure and is usually completed with the placement of a crown or other restoration to restore the tooth’s strength and function.

However, if your tooth is severely damaged or decayed to the point that a root canal cannot sufficiently restore its integrity, or if there is insufficient healthy tooth structure remaining to support a crown after a root canal, we may need to consider a dental implant.

In some cases, a dental implant may be a better option than a root canal, especially if the pulp is extensively damaged or infected and cannot be effectively treated with root canal therapy, or if the infection has spread beyond the tooth or has been resistant to root canal treatment.

Dental implants may also be preferred for aesthetic reasons, as they provide a more natural and pleasing appearance, particularly in the front of your mouth.

Whether you require a dental implant instead of a root canal primarily depends on the extent of tooth damage or decay. While a root canal can preserve and repair a damaged or infected tooth, a dental implant is needed when the tooth is missing or too compromised to save. At 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental, Dr. Arthur Abordo and our team will evaluate your condition and suggest the most suitable treatment option based on your specific tooth condition and overall oral health. For more information, contact us, or request an appointment online today! We are located at 3330 3rd Avenue, Suite 302, San Diego, CA 92103. We serve patients from San Diego, CA, Downtown San Diego CA, Hillcrest CA, Middletown CA, Mission Hills CA, Mission Valley CA, University Heights CA, North Park CA, and surrounding areas