If you’re seeking the best treatment solution for missing or severely damaged teeth, you’re certainly not alone. Millions of Americans live with one or more missing teeth and nearly 90% of adults have experienced some amount of dental decay. Today, there is a broader selection of advanced dental treatment options available than ever before and many patients wonder about the relative benefits of various approaches and procedures.
At Doctors Implants, our world-class team of doctors are often asked about the differences between root canals and dental implants. While root canals have long been (and continue to be) a go-to treatment option for damaged teeth, we stand firmly behind our belief that dental implants are the superior treatment option overall. That being said, a root canal may still be the recommended treatment solution for certain patients based on a variety of different factors including the nature and scope of the dental issues they are experiencing, their health goals, and budget.
Below, we’ve provided an overview and comparison of root canal vs. implant procedures. For further information about which treatment option might be the right one based on your specific needs and circumstances and to learn more about our groundbreaking full mouth dental implant procedure, the 6 Hour Smile, contact us today to book a free doctor’s consultation!
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat cracked, injured, decaying, or otherwise damaged teeth. Leaving a portion of natural tooth intact, it involves the removal of natural pulp from the root canal system followed by a thorough cleaning, disinfecting, filling, and sealing process.
The outermost layer of a tooth is made of protective enamel, which surrounds a layer of dentin—a hard substance prone to decay when exposed to bacteria. The center of the tooth is filled with a material known as pulp, a soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels and is responsible for keeping the tooth alive. Tooth pulp fills the hollow pulp chamber inside each tooth’s crown (the visible portion of the tooth) and also extends down into its root system. While pulp is essential during a tooth’s growth phase, an adult tooth can survive without pulp, as long as it continues to be nourished by surrounding tissues.
A root canal procedure may be recommended to address a wide range of different dental health issues including:
- Injured teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Genetic tooth problems
- Deep decay
- Issues with an existing filling
- Bacterial infection that has affected the tooth pulp
Symptoms that may indicate a root canal or other restorative treatment is necessary may include:
- Tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
Benefits of a Root Canal
- Preserves Natural Tooth – A root canal leaves the outer structure of the tooth intact, allowing for natural biting force and sensation. Typically, the remaining tooth structure is sealed with a crown, which increases its strength, function, and integrity over time.
- Relieves Tooth Pain and Discomfort – Once the pulp is removed, any pain and discomfort associated with a particular tooth should be completely resolved.
- Minimally Invasive – A root canal is not a surgical procedure. The treatment can usually be completed within 30-90 minutes in the dental chair under local anesthetic.
- Natural Appearance – The crown placed over a root canal can be made to resemble the exact shape and color of your original tooth.
- Efficient – The entire root canal process can usually be completed within 1-3 visits over a period of a couple of weeks. Generally, no further follow-up appointments are necessary.
- Protects Surrounding Teeth – Leaving the natural tooth intact protects surrounding teeth from issues such as shifting and unnecessary wear and tear.
Success Rate
Root canals have a high success rate of approximately 97%, although that number may decrease over time, particularly if retreatment is indicated. Retreated root canals have only an 89% success rate at the 5-year mark.
The lifespan for a root canal treatment is generally considered to be 10 years or more, though the longevity of the treatment may be impacted by a variety of factors including oral hygiene habits, bruxism (grinding of the teeth), and the quality of the original crown.
Cost
The cost of a root canal can vary greatly depending on which tooth is being treated, the extent of the damage, the location of the clinic, and the training and experience level of the dentist or specialist performing the procedure. On average, patients can expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $2000 for a root canal procedure. Speak directly with your dentist or doctor for more specifics.
Treatment Process
A root canal treatment involves the following steps:
- The treatment area is prepped and numbed with a local anesthetic. A dental dam is placed to isolate the tooth being treated.
- The dentist drills into the tooth and cleans the pulp out of the pulp chamber and root canal system. An antibacterial solution is used to disinfect the canals.
- The canals are filled with a flexible substance known as gutta-percha and the tooth is sealed with a temporary crown.
- A permanent crown is usually placed at a follow-up appointment.
Invasiveness
Root canals are minimally invasive and often performed in a dentist’s office. More complex root canal procedures may be performed by a specialist.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement. Involving the placement of a titanium screw (implant) directly into the jawbone, they provide outstanding function, comfort, and aesthetics that can last a lifetime.
A dental implant is composed of 3 parts:
- The Implant – A titanium screw that integrates with the jawbone over time, closely mimicking a natural tooth root.
- The Abutment – A small piece of hardware that connects the implant and crown.
- The Crown – At Doctors Implants, the crown (visible prosthetic tooth) is made of strong and highly lifelike zirconia.
Doctors Implants specializes in full-arch and full mouth dental implants that offer stunning new smiles and lasting function with the placement of just four implants per arch (top or bottom of the mouth). Set up a free doctors consultation to learn more about our revolutionary 6 Hour Smile!
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Prevents Jawbone Loss – Implants stimulate the jawbone just like the roots of natural teeth and can help to prevent jawbone loss and deterioration.
- Stunning Aesthetics – We design gorgeous new smiles for each and every patient, restoring their confidence and overall quality of life!
- Comprehensive Treatment – Full mouth dental implants are a permanent, long-lasting tooth replacement solution that will get you off the hamster wheel of temporary dental interventions and allow you to move forward with improved oral health for many years to come.
Success Rate
At Doctors Implants, we take immense pride in our greater than 99% success rate for full mouth dental implants. Our exceptional team of doctors and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has never turned away a patient due to bone loss and we are equipped with the expertise and cutting-edge equipment to take on even the most complex cases. Contact us today to learn more!
Cost
Dental implants typically cost more than root canal treatments, but they also last longer and can offer a comprehensive tooth replacement solution that restores the aesthetics and function of multiple damaged or missing teeth all at once. At Doctors Implants, we are dedicated to supporting our patients with customized payment options that make the 6 Hour Smile accessible no matter their financial situation. Contact our team directly to learn more.
Treatment Process
The 6 Hour Smile is a groundbreaking full mouth dental implant procedure that has been refined thousands of times over by our leading doctors and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The steps of the treatment process include:
- Attend a free consultation and CT scan at our state-of-the-art facility. Meet directly with your doctor and receive an individualized treatment plan.
- On the day of your 6 Hour Smile procedure, you’ll be comfortably placed under general anesthetic while any remaining teeth are removed and titanium implants are precisely placed. Meanwhile, our in-house lab team will be crafting your new teeth. When you wake up, your temporary teeth will be installed and you’ll go home with a brand-new smile!
- You’ll attend scheduled follow-up and maintenance appointments as needed to ensure your full mouth dental implants remain in optimal condition.
Invasiveness
The 6 Hour Smile is a surgical procedure, but at Doctors Implants we’ve streamlined the treatment process to minimize treatment and recovery times as much as possible. Contact our office to learn more!
Summary
| Root Canal | Dental Implant | |
| Success Rate | 97% but decreases over time and with retreatment | Greater than 99% at Doctors Implants |
| Cost | Approximately $500-$2000 per treatment | Typically more expensive than root canal treatment, but exact cost depends on a variety of factors |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Surgical procedure |
| Treatment Length | 30-90 minutes; 1-3 appointments required | 6 hours; with follow up visits required over a period of months |
| Lifespan | Approximately 10 years | Titanium implants can last a lifetime |
For a Free Consultation, Contact Doctors Implants
Seeking dental implants in OKC? The highly qualified and experienced team of doctors and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons at Doctors Implants looks forward to meeting you. Contact us today to schedule your free doctor’s consultation!
