Should I have a root canal or a dental implant?
So you have a very deep cavity (decay) that needs more than just a filling to fix. The cavity is so deep it has reached the nerve and blood supply center of the tooth (pulp) and also has reached the root surfaces. Your dentist tells you there is good news and bad news. The good news is you can save the tooth. The bad news is it is going to require a root canal, crown lengthening surgery, a core buildup and a crown to fix it. Not only are you confused by what these treatment options mean or attempt to accomplish, but they come with a considerable amount of investment of your time and money to correct. It can get rather expensive to save a tooth when the decay has advanced to such a severe state.
Costs of root canal and associated treatment vs. cost of a dental implant
I am an advocate for attempting to save a tooth. But there are times when it makes more sense to simply remove the offending tooth and replace it with an implant. The implant option can have a better long-term prognosis, save you time and cost about the same as attempting to save the tooth. There are so many variables ranging from the tooth in question to a patient’s risk factors and health that there isn’t a “one size fits all” answer.
There is no one “correct” answer, and each patient (and each tooth) is different
For this reason, it is always important to discuss restorative options and long term prognosis when deciding what dental treatment plan is best for you.