Root Canal vs Extraction and Implant

When comparing root canal vs extraction and implant, you will have to ask yourself several questions about what you want the experience and recovery to be like. At Apex Endodontics, we want to help you preserve your natural teeth, so we have some questions that may help you to determine if root canal therapy is a better option for you.

What Symptoms Do You Have?

First, assess your symptoms. For many patients, root canal therapy and extraction can both treat a tooth with an infection inside the pulp caused by decay. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent cavities. However, if a cavity does occur, you need a dental filling to seal the tooth’s opening. Without a filling, the hole deepens until it reaches all the way into the root canals.

Typical symptoms of a tooth infection that would need either root canal therapy or extraction could include:

• Sensitivity to heat and cold that lasts longer than typical tooth sensitivity.
• Pain when biting with the affected tooth.
• Swelling or tenderness of the gums.
• A pimple or darkened gum.

While tooth decay can necessitate root canal treatment, it is not the only reason that you may need this therapy. Broken or cracked teeth can also allow bacteria to get inside the tooth. You could have the tooth pulled or save it by having an endodontist perform root canal treatment.

Did You Have a Traumatic Dental Injury That Broke a Tooth?

Traumatic dental injuries such as broken or chipped teeth may require root canal therapy to save the damaged tooth. However, there are some types of damage that even an endodontist cannot save and need extraction. The differences between a tooth that can be saved and one that cannot depend on the level of internal damage. Therefore, you need to make an appointment for dental trauma treatment as quickly as possible to have the greatest chance of saving your tooth.

What are the costs involved? Do You Have Insurance?

There are many factors that can contribute to differences in costs when considering root therapy vs an implant.

First, root canal therapy often is covered, at least partially, by dental insurance policies. Always check your policy to verify coverage or contact your insurer. Dental implants and the associated bone grafts often do not have coverage.

Second, having an extraction alone does cost less than root canal treatment. However, leaving a hole in your mouth can lead to uneven spacing as your other teeth shift to try to fill in the hole. You could also have problems speaking or eating depending on the location of the gap in your teeth. 

To replace a missing tooth, you may choose an implant. But, dental implant surgery often does not fall under insurance coverage. Replacement of a missing tooth with an implant usually costs $3,000  – $6,000 per tooth, which is typically about twice as much as root canal therapy and a crown. 

How Much Time Do You Want to Take for the Procedure?

No one wants to make multiple visits to the dentist or endodontist. However, to get an extraction and implant, you will need to make more visits to your dental professional than you would for root canal treatment.

On average, root canal therapy requires one or two endodontic visits to clean and seal the tooth. A second or third dental visit happens when you go back to your regular dentist to complete the process with a crown on the tooth.

Compare the three visits of root canal vs extraction and implant. To have your tooth extracted, you need to have surgery to remove the entire tooth. This procedure is similar to the one that you may have experienced having your wisdom teeth removed. After extraction, you must wait for the site to heal. Then, you will start the multistage procedure to have the implant installed.

Dental implants require surgery for the dentist to place the post in your jawbone. This site must heal completely before placing the abutment on top of the post, letting the site heal, and finishing with the artificial tooth on top. You may need several weeks or longer to finish the process.  The total time for having an extraction and implant is usually between 6-12 months, depending on the possible need for bone grafting or sinus procedures.

Do You Want to Keep Your Natural Tooth?

Root canal therapy allows you to keep your natural teeth, and endodontists are the experts at performing this procedure. Don’t delay if you need this treatment: if you procrastinate too long, you might not be able to save your tooth.

With today’s technology, you can get quality root canal treatment that eases any pain that you felt before the therapy. Compared to extraction and implant procedures, root canal therapy costs less and preserves your natural tooth. 

Schedule a Comfortable, Precise, and Technologically Advanced Root Canal Therapy at Apex Endodontics

Forget the myths about root canals. With today’s technology and their extra training in pain management, going to an endodontist for root canal therapy is an almost pain-free way to preserve a tooth.

For precision, comfort, and technology in every endodontic service you receive, make your appointment with Apex Endodontics in Colorado Springs, CO. Contact us today to set up your visit.