If your tooth ever gets so decayed that it’s impossible to have a regular filling put in, your dentist might recommend either a root canal or an implant. Although these are two completely different procedures, they both work wonders in making sure your tooth works right from that point forward.
They help make your tooth stronger and more comfortable, but to make the right decision, it’s best to understand what is involved in each of these procedures. Below is some of the information on each of these procedures to help you figure it all out.
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Tooth Implants: What Are They?
Unlike a root canal, in which the tooth is repaired so that it works better, implant work involves removing the entire tooth and installing a “fake” tooth instead. Dentists who offer tooth implants in Geelong are not hard to find, and they’ll show you the different types of implants and help you decide which one is right for you. Tooth implants tend to be very comfortable because the entire tooth is removed first, so there are no nerves or anything else left behind to allow for pain or discomfort of any kind.
Implants are often made out of titanium or other such material, and while it does take two to three months for it to heal, the patient is usually comfortable within 24 to 48 hours. After the two to three months are up, a final crown is placed on the tooth to make it more permanent and fit better inside your mouth.
The tooth and its root are removed with a tooth implant, and the dentists who offer dental implants in Geelong can usually install the implant in one office visit, as opposed to a root canal, which often happens over the course of several visits to the dentist.
Root Canals: What Are They?
Teeth that have dead nerves due to damage from accidents or when the tooth has severe decay can often be repaired with a root canal. Root canals start with cleaning out the inside of the tooth and removing blood vessels and nerve tissue, then the tooth is filled with a material such as rubber or another material so that it doesn’t get infected again.
It takes several visits to the dentist to get a root canal completed, and it takes roughly 6 to 12 months for the tooth to completely heal. Often, the dentist will recommend that you get a full crown over the tooth so that it doesn’t become brittle and fracture.
If you choose to have a root canal treatment in Geelong, you have to be careful when you bite because teeth that have had root canals can become less strong over time. If you end up fracturing the tooth, it will have to be repaired again or even replaced, usually with some type of implant. You may also be tender at the root canal site for some time, at least until the treatment has been completed.
Deciding Between the Two
Normally, your dentist will recommend one of these two treatments when you have a tooth that is decayed, but it’s still good to know a little about each one in case you’re given the option to choose for yourself which treatment you want. There are pros and cons to each of these treatments, and here are some things for you to consider about each of them.
Dental Implants
- If your tooth is damaged above the gum line and not below the gums, dental implants may work best.
- Dental implants are long-term treatments for dead or decaying teeth.
- Dental implants can last for decades.
Root Canals
- Root canals are expensive and take a much longer time to heal.
- Roughly half of all root canal patients end up breaking the tooth in the first 10 years after the treatment.
- It takes a long time to complete a root canal.
If a tooth is damaged even under the gums, a root canal is usually recommended, but dentists will normally recommend some type of dental implant if the damage is found only in the area of the tooth above the gum.
The right tooth implant or root canal in Geelong can help your mouth feel much better in just a short period of time, but a lot of this decision will depend on the severity of your tooth problem. Neither of these treatments is a permanent solution, but they can still provide you with years of comfort that will allow you to concentrate on other things for a change.
If you are unsure about either of these treatments, your dentist will be able to explain more about them. Both are good treatments and will restore both your comfort level and your confidence very soon, and the right dentist can help you make the right decision as to which one is best for you.