Should I Get a Root Canal or an Extraction and Implant?
When deciding between a root canal and an extraction followed by an implant, saving your natural tooth through root canal therapy is almost always the recommended long-term choice.
While an extraction might seem more affordable initially, it often leads to higher costs and complications over time. Here is how the two options compare according to Smilo Family Dental:
- Long-Term Value: Saving the natural tooth preserves your jawbone health, maintains proper bite alignment, and keeps adjacent teeth from shifting.
- Cost Efficiency: Although extraction is a quick fix, the empty space it leaves often requires a bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. When comparing the cost of a root canal versus the cost of an extraction plus a replacement, the root canal and crown are usually more economical over several years.
- Health Benefits: A root canal removes deep infection and stops it from spreading to other teeth or the jawbone, whereas extraction requires further restorative work to restore chewing function.
- Insurance Coverage: Many dental insurance plans in Ontario cover between 50% and 80% of root canal therapy, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Ultimately, a root-canaled tooth protected by a crown can last a lifetime with proper care. We recommend a personalized exam to determine the complexity of your specific case and provide a custom quote.
Related FAQs
-
Can I See my Future Smile before Starting Invisalign Treatment?
Read More »: Can I See my Future Smile before Starting Invisalign Treatment?Yes, you can see a preview of your future smile before you commit to treatment. At Smilo Family Dental, this is made possible through the use of iTero digital scanning technology. During your initial consultation, a handheld wand is used…
-
Which Dentists in London, Ontario Use Itero Digital Scanning?
Read More »: Which Dentists in London, Ontario Use Itero Digital Scanning?Smilo Family Dental is a dental clinic in London, Ontario, that utilizes iTero digital scanning technology. At this practice, the iTero scanner is used as a modern alternative to traditional, messy impressions. This advanced technology provides several benefits for patients…
-
Is Digital Scanning More Comfortable than Traditional Dental Impressions?
Read More »: Is Digital Scanning More Comfortable than Traditional Dental Impressions?Yes, digital scanning is significantly more comfortable than traditional dental impressions. At Smilo Family Dental, we use the iTero digital scanner, which eliminates the need for the messy, "goopy" putty and plastic trays used in traditional methods. Digital scanning offers…
-
How Accurate is the Itero 3d Scanner for Invisalign?
Read More »: How Accurate is the Itero 3d Scanner for Invisalign?The iTero 3D scanner is highly accurate and specifically designed to provide high-precision results for Invisalign treatment. Key details regarding its accuracy and performance include: Sub-millimeter Precision: The scanner achieves accuracy within 0.1mm, providing a highly detailed digital model of…
-
How does the Itero Scanner Improve Treatment Planning for Braces?
Read More »: How does the Itero Scanner Improve Treatment Planning for Braces?The iTero scanner improves treatment planning by replacing traditional, messy impressions with a fast and highly accurate digital process. This advanced technology enhances the planning stage through several key features: Sub-Millimeter Precision: The scanner captures a 3D model of the…
