Dental Implant vs Root Canal Treatment: How To Choose The Right One?

Your smile speaks a lot about your oral health. If missing teeth are affecting your confidence, you’re not alone. While there are several treatment options available in Singapore, many find themselves wondering: "Dental implant or root canal—which should I choose?"

Choosing the right treatment can make a meaningful difference to your oral health and overall wellbeing. But how do you know which treatment will fit you? This blog has all the information you may need to achieve a confident, healthy smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant, also known as a tooth implant, refers to a screw-like post which is inserted into your jawbone to replace a missing tooth. It gradually fuses with the bone overtime, creating a stable foundation for the prosthetic tooth. This is a surgical procedure which requires long-term aftercare for comfortable healing.

Before the treatment, the dentist will check whether there is sufficient jawbone volume and density to support the dental implant. This evaluation involves a clinical examination and imaging tests such as 3D X-rays (CBCT scans). They may recommend bone grafting or sinus lift for additional support based on the assessment.

Dental implants are typically made of titanium, a material known for its strength and compatibility with the body. In case of any pre-existing conditions like diabetes, it is important to discuss it with your dentist during the initial consultation so that appropriate precautions can be taken to support successful healing.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a dental procedure recommended for a tooth that is deeply decayed or infected. Its main goal is to save the natural tooth, rather than removing it, so you can maintain your bite, chewing ability, and smile.

During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp tissue, which contains nerves and blood vessels, from inside the tooth. The root canals are then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria, and the tooth is sealed to prevent reinfection.

If the treated tooth needs extra strength, the dentist may recommend a post and core followed by a dental crown to restore its shape and function.

Root canal therapy helps relieve tooth pain, reduce swelling, and manage infection, therefore avoiding the need for extraction and more complex replacement treatments.

Dental Implant vs Root Canal Treatment: Key Differences

Let’s learn about dental implant vs root canal to see which option might be suitable for you.

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How To Decide Between A Dental Implant vs Root Canal Treatment?

The fundamental difference between an RCT and implant procedure is that the first one is meant to save the tooth, while the second one is for replacement of a tooth that cannot be saved, or is already lost. Therefore, it’s important to note that root canal treatment and dental implants serve different purposes.

If there is still enough natural tooth structure remaining after a tooth infection, your dentist may recommend root canal. Root canal therapy focuses on treating the infection and keeping your natural tooth.

A dental implant becomes a suitable option when the tooth is severely decayed or cannot be restored. It will replace the missing teeth but your dentist will still need to assess your jawbone to determine if it is strong enough to support it.

Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, bone structure, and long-term prognosis to determine which option is suitable. Thus, considering all these before choosing the right procedure helps support your oral health.

Conclusion

If you feel unsure between a dental implant vs root canal treatment, you’re not alone in this. Many find it difficult to choose the right treatment for their teeth, resulting in recurring procedures and higher long-term cost.

Now that you understand the main differences between a dental implants (tooth implant) and root canal treatment, you can make informed decisions about your oral health. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to dental implants vs root canal therapy. Your dentist is the ideal person to recommend solutions after examining your teeth and reviewing your medical history.

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