Dental Implants versus Root Canal

Posted on 9/5/2022 by Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center

Deciding on a dental implant or root canal can be challenging. For an individual, understanding the differences between these two allows better decision-making during dental consultations. Dental implants are a surgical procedure that entails removing and replacing the entire decayed or damaged tooth.

At the same time, root canal treatment involves the removal of dead nerves that develop due to deep extension of decay into the tooth or when teeth experience trauma such as bike accidents. However, the patient must consider several factors before deciding on a dental implant or root canal treatment.

Life Expectancy

Dental implant life expectancy is for a lifetime hence gives more service to the patient compared to the root canal, which can only go for a period of between one to ten years. In addition, the success rate differs with a dental implant having a 100% success rate five years after placement, while a root canal has a success rate of below 50% after ten years after treatment.

Time and Costs

Dental appointments for the root canal are between 3-5 meetings, and the procedure takes about 3-4 hours. However, dental implants only have 1-2 dental surgical hours and only take a maximum of three dental appointments. In addition, dental implants are more costly than root canal treatment.

Decaying Process

Moreover, dental implants do not go through decay like regular teeth, and they are less susceptible to gum diseases and are less prone to breaking and cracking; hence are more preferred than root canal treatment. However, root canals become easily infected by diseases and are easily breakable since they become brittle over time.

Choosing between dental implants and a root canal depends on the patient. While both treatments have their share of benefits, consultations with a professional oral specialist can be an added advantage.

Board certified in Oral & Maxillofacial surgery

The surgical specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery requires up to six additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training beyond dental school.

Contact Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center Today!

The first step to a healthier, happier you.

Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

Livermore

1133 E. Stanley Blvd. #215 • Livermore, CA 94550
Phone: 925-290-7727 Fax: 925-294-8800
Email: info@pacificofs.com

Tracy

2160 W. Grant Line Road #160 • Tracy, CA 95377
Phone: 209-835-4600 • Fax: 209-835-8833
Email: info@pacificofs.com

Request Your
Appointment

Online
New Patient Forms

Learn About
Your First Visit

Read Our
Patient Reviews

Dental Blog | Livermore & Tracy CA | Michael Beckley DDS
For more information on oral surgery, and to schedule your consultation, call Pacific Oral & Facial Surgery Center in Livermore and Tracy today.
Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center, 1133 E Stanley Blvd #215, Livermore, CA 94550 + 925-290-7727 + pacificofs.com + 3/13/2025 + Associated Words: oral surgeon Livermore +