Root Canal Vs Dental Implant
When a tooth is badly damaged or infected, one of the biggest questions patients face is whether it can be saved or needs replacing. In most cases, the decision comes down to root canal treatment vs dental implant, and knowing which option is best isn’t always straightforward.
When patients are deciding between a root canal vs a dental implant, understanding whether a tooth can be saved or needs replacing is essential.
At Landmark Dental, we help patients across Hemel Hempstead and surrounding areas decide between root canal treatment and dental implants. Our team includes an endodontist specialist, a prosthodontist, and a restorative dentist, so you receive a full, honest assessment of your tooth and a clear explanation of all available options.
Root Canal Treatment vs Dental Implant – Quick Comparison
Factor |
Root Canal Treatment |
Dental Implant |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Saves your natural tooth | Replaces a missing tooth |
| Procedure | Cleans infected tooth | Surgical placement in bone |
| Invasiveness | Non-surgical | Surgical |
| Healing Time | Shorter | Longer |
| Natural Feel | Feels like your own tooth | Feels slightly different |
| Bone Preservation | Preserves natural bone | Prevents bone loss after extraction |
| Cost | Usually lower | Higher overall cost |
| Best For | Teeth that can be saved | Teeth that cannot be restored |
Can the Tooth Be Saved With Root Canal Treatment?
This is the first and most important question. Before considering extraction and an implant, it’s vital to determine whether the tooth is restorable.
We often see patients who’ve been told their tooth can’t be saved, but with the right techniques and careful planning, our root canal specialist and endodontist have been able to preserve it. By working closely across specialities, we assess your tooth from every angle and take a long-term view of how it could be restored.
Many patients searching for a root canal specialist near me are surprised to learn that advanced endodontic treatment can still save their tooth.
Why Root Canal Treatment May Be Better Than a Dental Implant
If a tooth can be saved, we’ll usually recommend endodontist treatments such as root canal therapy. When done properly and restored correctly, a tooth that’s had a root canal can last for many years. Often, it functions just as well as any other tooth.
Some benefits of keeping your natural tooth include:
- It feels more natural especially when chewing
- It helps preserve the bone and gum around it
- It avoids surgery
- It delays the need for an implant or other replacement
Our root canal dentist in Hemel Hempstead uses advanced tools and techniques to carry out dental endodontics with precision and care. Once the infection is cleared, our restorative dentist can rebuild and protect the tooth using a crown or similar restoration.
Which Is Better – Root Canal or Dental Implant?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. A root canal is usually better when the tooth structure is strong enough to be restored. A dental implant is better when the tooth is fractured below the gum, severely broken, or cannot support a crown.
In general, dentists and endodontists agree that saving a natural tooth is preferable whenever possible. This is why seeking advice from a root canal specialist near you before opting for extraction is so important.
Advanced Technology for Better Results
At Landmark Dental, we use state-of-the-art technology to support every stage of your care, whether we’re saving a tooth with root canal specialist treatments or replacing it with a dental implant.
Our technology includes:
- Dental microscope for enhanced precision during root canal procedures – helping us locate and treat complex or hidden canals
- CBCT 3D imaging (cone beam CT scans) to create detailed three-dimensional views of the teeth, bone, and surrounding structures – crucial for both assessing restorability and planning dental implants
- Digital planning tools to guide implant positioning for the best possible long-term outcome in terms of both function and aesthetics
- Modern imaging and diagnostics to support faster, safer, and more predictable treatment across the board
This technology allows us to be more accurate, more conservative, and more confident, whether we’re saving a tooth that others have deemed unrestorable or planning an implant that will last for years to come.
When a Dental Implant Is Better Than Root Canal Treatment
Not every tooth can be saved. If a tooth is too broken down, cracked beneath the gum, or has lost too much supporting structure, then extraction followed by a dental implant may be the better long-term solution.
Our prosthodontist is highly experienced in placing and restoring implants for durable, natural-looking results. Using careful planning and modern techniques, we ensure the implant is positioned for optimal function and aesthetics.
The Landmark Dental Difference
What makes our approach different is that we don’t just offer one type of treatment – we offer the full picture. Our team includes:
-
A dentist with a special interest in endodontic (root canal) treatments
-
A prosthodontist experienced in dental implants and complex cases
-
A restorative dentist focused on rebuilding and protecting teeth.
This means we’re not just trying to fit you into one treatment; we take the time to work out what’s genuinely best for you, now and in the future.
Root Canal vs Dental Implant,
While dental implants are an excellent solution when needed, they don’t feel exactly like a natural tooth. A natural tooth has a ligament that provides sensory feedback when chewing – something an implant can’t fully replicate.
That’s why, if we can save your tooth with root canal treatment by an endodontist, we’ll usually recommend doing so. It’s less invasive, preserves natural structure, and keeps future options open.
Unsure What to Do? Come and See Us
If you’ve been told your tooth can’t be saved or you’re searching for a root canal specialist near me or a dental implant clinic near me, it’s worth getting a second opinion.
Patients looking for root canal treatment in Hemel Hempstead or dental implants near me often visit Landmark Dental for expert-led, honest advice. With advanced imaging and all specialists under one roof, we help you make the right decision with confidence.
Book a consultation at Landmark Dental in Hemel Hempstead to find out whether a root canal or dental implant is the best option for you.
FAQs – Root Canal vs Dental Implant
1. How do I know if I need a root canal or a dental implant?
If your tooth can be saved, root canal treatment is usually recommended. If the tooth is cracked below the gum or too damaged, a dental implant may be the better option. A consultation with a root canal specialist near you is the best way to decide.
2. Is it better to save my tooth or get a dental implant?
Saving your natural tooth is generally preferable – it feels natural, preserves bone, and avoids surgery. If you’re searching for a root canal specialist near me, it’s worth consulting before considering extraction.
3. How long does a tooth last after root canal treatment?
With proper care and a quality crown, a tooth treated with root canal treatment near me can last many years, often as long as a healthy natural tooth.
4. How do I find a reliable root canal specialist near me?
Look for a clinic with specialist endodontists, modern imaging (like 3D CBCT scans), and restorative dentists. This ensures your tooth gets expert care from start to finish.
5. Can a tooth that was considered “unsavable” still be saved?
Yes, advanced root canal techniques and careful planning sometimes allow teeth previously deemed unrestorable to be preserved. A second opinion from a specialist team can help.