Greystone Smile Design

This question has recently become more and more popular as materials, techniques, and success rates continue to improve.   Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve and blood supply of a tooth becomes irreversibly damaged.  This is usually caused by bacteria (large cavity), but may also be caused by trauma or tooth fractures.  An implant is a “screw” that goes into the bone with a crown attached (cemented or screwed).  Implants are the treatment of choice for missing teeth.  Both procedures have greater than a 90% success rate, offer great esthetics, function normally, and have mild post-operative discomfort.

When a tooth is irreversibly infected, two options exist: 1) Save the tooth with a root canal, or 2) extract the tooth and place an implant, if desired.

So which is better?  Since some root canals fail, should I just go ahead and get the implant?  Or, why pay more money for an implant if I can save my tooth?

(more…)