Root Canal Or Implant: Which Do I Need?

Treat root canals at your local YDS clinic - contact us for options, prices and pay monthly finance.

Painful toothache, severe decay, infection, cracking – all can be fixed with a root canal or implant treatment. Dependent on your specific issue and if the tooth can be saved, your dentist will recommend one of the two.

Everything you need to know about root canals

This dental treatment is carried out when the pulp (the centre of the tooth) is inflamed or infected. An X-ray will identify when there is damage caused by a bacterial infection and a root canal is needed. If your dentist thinks the tooth can be saved rather than extracted, they may suggest carrying out this specific procedure.

What leads to a tooth needing a root canal?

• Deep cavities
• Chips
• Cracks
• Gum disease
• Severe decay
• Trauma
• Repeated dental treatments

What are the symptoms to look out for?

These include pain when consuming hot or cold food and drink, alongside sensitivity when chewing and biting and a loose tooth. Your gums and jaw may also appear swollen. Do not hesitate to contact your dentist if you are experiencing these symptoms.

What does the root canal procedure involve?

Let’s go through it step by step so you can know what to expect.

1. You will first be sedated, making the process pain free.
2. A piece of thin, flexible rubber is placed inside the mouth, covering everything but the infected tooth. This helps to keep it clean and dry.
3. A small hole is made with a drill in the tooth.
4. Using tiny instruments, your dentist then cleans everything out of the hole. This includes nerves, tissues and blood vessels.
5. The inside of the tooth is then disinfected with a liquid.
6. It is now time to seal the clean tooth. This is done with a temporary filling.
7. Another appointment is required. During this session, the tooth will either be permanently filled or topped with a crown.

What is the price of a root canal treatment?

Root canal treatments are available on the NHS. It is classed as a Band 2 treatment, which costs £75.30. However, you may not be eligible and wait times will be longer than going to a private dentist. For patients who choose a private dentist for their procedure, prices will vary from practice to practice. Yorkshire Dental Suite charges £895.

What are the pros & cons of root canals?

One of the biggest advantages of a root canal is that it allows you to keep your natural tooth. The treatment additionally helps to stop the pain you have been experiencing and restores a strong, confident bite. What’s more, it is more cost-effective in the long term. Removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant or bridge is more expensive than root canal. There are some disadvantages to take into consideration. Firstly, there is a chance that the procedure doesn’t work or weakens the tooth further, and additional dental treatment is needed. For many patients, if the nerves inside the tooth are tricky to work with, multiple appointments may be needed. Some individuals also face discomfort after the root canal is complete, as well as discolouration of the affected tooth. If a patient wishes to whiten their teeth as a result, this increases the overall cost.

How long does a root canal last?

Teeth treated with a root canal survive on average 8-10 years. However, if the treatment fails or the tooth becomes infected again, your dentist may need to repeat the procedure.

Everything you need to know about dental implants

Dental implants eliminate the pain and embarrassment of broken, worn and missing teeth. The procedure replaces the affected tooth with a perfect substitute that feels and looks just like your natural teeth. It is often offered to patients as a last resort treatment.

A tooth may need a dental implant if:

• It is missing
• Infection is too severe, and the tooth cannot be saved
• It has severe cracks and breaks
• Dentures are loose
• Chewing and biting is painful
• You have experienced injury
• Gum disease has advanced too far

What are the symptoms to look out for?

Many patients have pain when eating anything chewy, crunchy or sticky, such as steaks and apples. Other symptoms include loose or shifting teeth, bad breath and persistent toothache. If you have lost a tooth entirely, dental implants are a great way to fill the gap. Do not hesitate to contact your dentist if you are experiencing these symptoms.

What does the dental implant procedure involve?

1. You will first be sedated, making the process pain free.
2. If needed, teeth will be extracted.
3. The gum is cut, and a hole is drilled into your jawbone.
4. A grade 5 titanium implant is inserted into this hole.
5. An abutment is fitted.
6. It is now time to heal for 3-4 months. When this time period is over, you will have your permanent crown or bridge attached.

What is the price of dental implant treatment?

This varies greatly. With Yorkshire Dental Suite, a single tooth implant costs £2,800, whereas our full mouth dental implants cost up to £49,995. If you need any additional treatments such as a gum graft or a bone graft, this will increase your overall spending. Something else to note is that dental implants aren’t usually available on the NHS.

What are the pros & cons of dental implants?

The major advantage of dental implants are the longevity, lasting up to 20 years if well cared for. This innovative treatment also helps to remove pain and restore not only your smile, but also your quality of life. No more omitting your favourite foods out of your diet! What about the disadvantages? There is a possibility that your implant can fail – this is caused by smoking, infection and inadequate bone support. Like your natural teeth, dental implants are not indestructible, and the crowns are susceptible to damage. Your crowns are not covered by warranty, so you would need to pay to replace them.

How long does a dental implant last?

As mentioned earlier, a dental implant can last up to 20 years. Following the aftercare instructions set out by your dentist and maintaining excellent oral hygiene are things you can do to ensure maximum longevity.

Which treatment should I choose?

The answer to this differs from patient to patient. If the tooth has any chance of being saved, your dentist will recommend alternate treatments to dental implants, such as a root canal. On the other hand, if your tooth is beyond repair, then an implant may be your best option. Your dentist will thoroughly assess the condition of your teeth and advise you on the recommended procedure.

Conclusion: Both root canals and dental implants offer advantages and disadvantages. Whatever your concern is, Yorkshire Dental Suite are here to help. Contact us today to address your pain and restore a healthy smile.