A confident smile is important, but even with proper care, our teeth may need more than routine checkups to maintain oral health. If you’ve had a root canal, you understand the relief it can bring by saving a damaged tooth and easing discomfort. But what happens when it doesn’t work?
Let’s discuss why you may need a dental implant after a root canal and how it can be the right solution if your root canal fails.
Key Takeaways
- A root canal may fail due to infection, reinfection, or structural issues, leading to the need for a dental implant.
- Dental implants provide a permanent, reliable solution, unlike root canals which may need repeated treatments.
- The implant process involves tooth removal, healing, implant placement, and attachment of a custom crown.
- Implants are more durable and prevent further infection or decay.
- Book a cost-free consultation with NuSet Dental Implants today to explore your best options for oral health.
When Does a Root Canal Fail?
A root canal fails when the infection isn’t fully removed, or the tooth becomes reinfected later. In some cases, the tooth may crack or break after the procedure. If the filling or crown used to seal the tooth isn’t placed correctly, bacteria can re-enter and cause new issues.
You may notice pain, swelling, or sensitivity that doesn’t go away. The tooth might feel loose, or swelling could appear around it. If you see these signs, visit us at NuSet Dental Implants and Oral Surgery immediately. Our dentist will check if the tooth can be saved with another treatment or if you need a dental implant.
How Can a Dental Implant Help After a Root Canal?
A dental implant is a good option if your root canal fails or the tooth cannot be saved. When a root canal doesn’t solve the problem, the tooth may continue to cause pain or infection. In these situations, replacing the tooth with a dental implant provides a reliable, long-term solution.
Dental implants function just like natural teeth. They allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Unlike root canals, which may need to be repeated, dental implants have a high success rate when properly maintained. They offer a permanent fix and restore both your smile and your dental health.
Root Canal vs. Dental Implant: Pros and Cons
Both a root canal and a dental implant have their benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these can help you decide which option is right for you.
| Root Canal: Pros | Root Canal: Cons |
| Keep your natural tooth | It may fail and require additional treatments |
| Less invasive than a dental implant | The tooth can still be at risk of infection or breaking |
| Recovery time is usually shorter | Over time, the tooth might weaken |
| Dental Implant: Pros | Dental Implant: Cons |
| Provides a permanent solution that won’t need retreatment | More expensive than a root canal |
| Strong and durable, functioning like a natural tooth | Some patients may need additional procedures, like dental bone grafts |
| No risk of further infection or decay in the implant |
Which is More Painful: A Root Canal or Dental Implants?
Many people worry about pain when considering dental procedures. It’s natural to wonder whether a root canal or a dental implant is more painful. The good news is that we carry out dental procedures under IV sedation at NuSet Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, and we ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the treatment.
A root canal involves removing infected tissue from inside the tooth. Although you may feel some discomfort after the procedure, it’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
A dental implant involves placing a metal post into your jawbone. Since this is a more involved procedure, you will experience some minimal swelling and soreness afterward. However, this pain is temporary and can be managed with medication. An implant’s long-term relief and stability make the short-term discomfort worth it.
Which is Healthier: Root Canal or Implant?
Both root canals and dental implants are healthy options, but the best choice depends on your situation.
A root canal can save your natural tooth. This option is good if the tooth is still strong and only the inner tissue is damaged.
However, a dental implant is healthier if the tooth is too damaged or prone to further infection. An implant doesn’t rely on the original tooth, so there’s no risk of future decay or infection in that tooth. Implants are made of strong, biocompatible materials that work well with your body and can improve your overall dental health.
Cost Comparison: Root Canal vs. Dental Implant
A root canal costs at least $1000. The procedure involves cleaning out the infection, sealing the tooth, and placing a crown. The total cost can depend on whether you need additional treatments, like a crown or retreatment, if the root canal fails.
A root canal, while effective in the short term, is often more of a temporary solution rather than a lifelong fix, as it doesn’t address the underlying issues that could lead to reinfection or failure over time. In many cases, the treated tooth may require additional procedures, and a dental implant provides a more reliable, long-term solution to restore both function and durability.
At NuSet, a single dental implant can start from around $2,500. The process includes placing the implant post, adding the abutment, and attaching the restoration. We also offer financing options to help you ease the financial burden.
While a root canal may seem cheaper upfront, a dental implant saves you money in the long run. Root canals often fail and need to be redone, while implants are more permanent and don’t need future treatments but proper care, just like your natural teeth.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Implant After a Root Canal
If your dentist recommends a dental implant after a root canal, the process will take a few steps. Here’s what you can expect:
- Tooth Removal: If your root canal fails, the damaged tooth must be removed. Your dentist will make sure this process is as comfortable as possible.
- Healing Period: After the tooth is removed, your gums and jawbone will need time to heal. Depending on your individual case, this can take a few weeks or months.
- Implant Placement: Once your mouth has healed, your dentist will place a titanium post into your jawbone. This acts as the root for your new tooth. You will receive local anesthesia during this step, so you won’t feel pain.
- Healing and Osseointegration: After the post is placed, your jawbone will need time to bond with the implant. This process, called osseointegration, can take several months. During this time, the implant becomes securely attached to your bone.
- Abutment and Crown: Once the implant is firmly in place, your dentist will attach an abutment (a small connector) and place a custom-made crown on top. The crown will match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
- Recovery and Aftercare: You might feel some soreness after each stage, but over-the-counter pain medication can help. Your dentist will give you instructions on how to care for the implant, including keeping the area clean and avoiding hard foods for a while.
The process takes time, but the result is a strong, permanent replacement for your damaged tooth.
Let NuSet Help You Make the Right Choice for Your Oral Health
When deciding between a root canal and a dental implant, it’s important to consider the overall health of your tooth and your long-term dental needs. While a root canal is a temporary solution and may require future treatments, a dental implant provides an immediate permanent option, ensuring long-term functionality and reducing the likelihood of further issues down the road.
Let our dentist at NuSet Dental Implants and Oral Surgery guide you through the process and help you choose the best treatment for your oral health. We will help you understand the benefits of each choice and give you the care you need to restore your smile. Contact us now to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have a dental implant after a root canal?
Yes, the implant will replace the tooth and provide a strong, permanent solution.
Should I skip the root canal and get an implant?
While a root canal can save a damaged tooth, it is often more of a temporary fix, as the tooth may need additional treatment over time. On the other hand, a dental implant is designed to provide a permanent, durable solution, restoring both the function and appearance of your smile.
Can you replace a tooth after a root canal?
Yes, if a tooth has had a root canal and still causes issues, it can be removed and replaced with a dental implant. This provides a permanent fix and prevents further complications.
Is a dental implant as painful as a root canal?
Both procedures are done with anesthesia, so you won’t feel much during the treatment.
