Pros And Cons Of Different Dental Procedures

If you have a dental condition where you’re faced with choosing either a dental implant or a root canal, there are several factors to take into consideration. To better help our patients understand their options, we like to take time to educate them about both treatments, so that together we can make the best choice for their dental health. Keep reading to learn more about this process.

While it’s always best to preserve natural teeth, in some cases, the damaged tooth can’t be saved and we recommend a dental implant. We always offer the pros and cons of both root canals and implants and consider the following factors. 

Patient History

A patient’s history—for example, having diabetes or a history of diabetes—is a major indicator of whether a root canal or an implant would be more successful. Patients with high hemoglobin A1c levels, a condition of diabetes, are not good candidates for implants. Patients on bisphosphonate or any medication that treats bone loss are also not dental implant candidates. 

During an examination, we also look at the health of the root and the bone around the tooth to determine whether an implant or a root canal would be a better option.

Investment

We also speak with patients about how—no matter which procedure they choose—they should consider it an investment in their future dental health. The long-term benefits of a treatment are not just the immediate benefits of a healthier mouth, but also the cost-savings from not needing additional treatment and less pain down the road. 

While the decision to have a root canal or dental implant can be stressful, we do our best to make it as easy as possible for our patients to understand their options based on their specific situation. We’re here to walk them through every step of the way.

If you have questions about any dental treatment options you may be considering, please feel free to contact our Phoenix office.