Root Canal or Dental Implant treatment?

When faced with serious dental problems, such as infections or severe decay of a tooth, the question arises: should you opt for root canal or dental implant treatment? According to Dr. Roberto Markarian, implant dentist and director of the ImplArt Clinic, the choice depends on a careful evaluation, considering factors such as the integrity of the tooth, general oral health and the technological options available.

The good news is that there are resources that allow you to visualize the dental situation beforehand and thus guide the initial course of action to be adopted. Even so, it’s important to bear in mind that the treatment may be altered if, during the process, a root fracture or more severe dental impairment than initially anticipated is identified.

Root canal or dental implant? When root canal treatment is the best option

Root canal treatment is indicated when the pulp of the tooth has been compromised but its structure can still be preserved. This procedure is ideal for eliminating infection, restoring functionality and maintaining the natural tooth. According to Dr. Roberto Markarian, preserving the natural tooth whenever possible offers important advantages:

Dental Proprioception: Natural teeth have periodontal ligaments that allow them to feel chewing forces, something that is lost when using implants.
Maintaining Gingival Anatomy: Preserving the tooth helps to maintain the aesthetic harmony of the surrounding gums, facilitating a more natural restoration.
Possibility of placing crowns: After a successful root canal treatment , the tooth can receive a high-quality crown, guaranteeing functionality and aesthetics.

Is it possible to be 100% sure about saving a tooth with an X-ray alone?

Some of the most common questions patients ask when deciding between root canal treatment or dental implants are: can you be absolutely sure that the tooth will be saved just by looking at the X-ray? Or even: is it possible to know for sure whether or not the tooth needs root canal treatment just by looking at the X-ray?

According to Dr. Roberto Markarian, implant dentist and director of the ImplArt Clinic, dentistry is not an exact science and, as in any area of health, it is not possible to offer 100% guarantees on results because we are talking about an organism. Although radiography is an essential tool for diagnosis, allowing the professional to assess the integrity of the root, the presence of infections and other structural conditions, it does not reveal all the details of the case. Microscopic fractures or conditions that are not visible on the scan can influence the success of the treatment and require the specialist to change their approach.

“Our mission as health professionals is to use the best available resources, such as advanced imaging exams and modern techniques, to offer the best possible prognosis,” says Dr. Markarian. At the ImplArt Clinic, we combine clinical experience with cutting-edge technologies to increase the chances of success in every procedure, whether it’s root canal treatment or the placement of dental implants.

Professional experience makes a difference when it comes to root canal treatment or dental implants

Of course, the dentist’s experience and knowledge are fundamental. In addition to radiographic analysis, it is necessary to clinically assess the tooth, the extent of the damage, possible hidden fractures, and the health of the surrounding tissue.“Our commitment is to act responsibly and offer the best alternatives available to preserve the tooth whenever possible, with a focus on long-lasting, high-quality results,” adds Dr. Markarian. Therefore, if there is a possibility of preserving the tooth, root canal treatment is the first option. Only secondly, if it is not possible to keep it, or even if irreversible damage to the tooth is identified, do we opt for extraction and a dental implant in the same surgery.

Watch the video below where Dr. Roberto Markarian talks about the benefits of extracting a tooth and placing an implant on the same day.

This approach demonstrates the importance of relying on a specialized professional, using the best practices and technologies to guarantee the most effective treatment for each patient, whether for root canal treatment or dental implants.

Is root canal treatment 100% guaranteed?

We know that root canal treatment is the last resort to save a tooth and therefore there is always a chance of failure. We must remember that although it is possible to evaluate radiographic examinations, we are talking about a health treatment whose planning may change over the course of the treatment and the next step is extraction followed by a dental implant.

See the image below for an example of a particular case in which the X-ray alone could have led to uncertainty about the diagnosis. However, the combination of the clinical assessment(swelling, pus), the patient’s report ( pain after accidentally biting a bone) and the X-ray made it possible to identify that there was a fracture in the area, culminating in the indication of simultaneous extraction and dental implantation.

dental fracture — Photo shows a tooth that was removed because it had a crack. Radiographically, the case could be mistaken for a root canal, but root canal treatment would not solve the problem because bacteria would be lodged in the cracked area.

Can I insist on a root canal?: Cases where a root canal doesn’t solve the problem

Root canal or dental implant? Even with technological advances, there are situations in which root canal treatment or retreatment doesn’t solve the problem. Root fractures, for example, can make the tooth unfeasible, making it necessary to remove it and consider alternatives such as dental implants.

Therefore, in the vast majority of cases it is not a choice between root canal treatment or dental implants, but a necessity. That’s why it’s essential to trust the professional in charge of the treatment, so that he or she can be sure of the best course of action.

Biological dentistry and root canal treatment

The current trend of biological dentistry, which is very widespread today, does not recommend root canal treatments on the grounds of toxicity. However, this claim still lacks scientific proof. Studies show that treatment, when carried out with biocompatible materials and modern techniques, is safe. At the ImplArt Clinic, we use the best practices to offer safe, long-lasting results and we value the patient’s well-being.

When Dental Implants Are Necessary

In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, dental implants are the definitive solution. The ImplArt Dental Clinic is a pioneer in technologies such as the use of zirconia prostheses and digital implant planning, detailed on our advanced dental implants page.

However, according to Dr. Roberto Markarian, “the implant, no matter how good, will never be superior to the natural tooth in terms of biology and functionality.” Some considerations about implants include:

Loss of Proprioception: Implants have no periodontal ligaments, eliminating the ability to perceive masticatory forces.
Need for Aesthetic Planning: To achieve optimal results, careful planning of the gingival anatomy around the implant is necessary

Therefore, whenever possible, the ImplArt Clinic chooses to preserve the tooth. Dental implants are only indicated when there are no other alternatives to save a severely compromised tooth.

*Want to know more about how long it takes to recover from a dental implant? Go to: How many days rest after a dental implant?

Why Choose the ImplArt Clinic?

The ImplArt Clinic is a benchmark in high-quality dental treatment in Brazil and worldwide. Our differentials include:

The team is led by Dr. Roberto Markarian, a renowned specialist with extensive experience in implant dentistry;
Use of state-of-the-art technology, such as 3D digital planning and biocompatible materials;
Personalized service for each case, focusing on aesthetic and functional results.
A complete structure, equipped with high technology for patient care.

We receive international patients looking for excellent treatments, which reinforces our position as a reference dental clinic in dental implants and computerized prostheses in Brazil.

Conclusion: Keep Natural Tooth with root canal treatment or dental implant?

Whenever possible, preserving the natural tooth is the best option, bringing biological and aesthetic benefits. However, in cases where this is not feasible, replacement with high-tech dental implants, such as those offered by Clínica ImplArt, may be the ideal solution.

Today there are very modern resources for your treatment, with various types of dental implant and types of dental crown available at the ImplArt Clinic. If you still have doubts or would like an assessment, contact our team and make an appointment to restore your smile with health and confidence.

Topics: Root canal or dental implant?

ImplArt Dental Clinic

⭐The ImplArt Dental Clinic is located in São Paulo and welcomes patients from all over the world. If you would like to know more about our treatments, ask questions about root canal treatment or dental implants, or schedule an appointment 📲WhatsApp(11) 3262-4750.

DR. ROBERTO MARKARIAN IMPLANTODONTISTA SITE — Root Canal or Dental Implant treatment?

Text written by DR. ROBERTO MARKARIAN – CRO-SP 73.583
Founder and Director of the ImplArt Dental Clinic – Dr. Roberto’s Linkedin profile

Dr. Roberto Markarian is a reference in dental implants and computerized dental prostheses in Brazil. As well as having more than 10,000 implants installed, he is a researcher who produces knowledge that is published worldwide in renowned scientific journals in the field of dentistry. He is responsible for promoting knowledge and high technology applied in all the treatments offered by the ImplArt Dental Clinic.

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Why is it necessary to place a post and core to make a dental crown?

The post and core is an important part for installing a prosthetic crown to replace a tooth that has been badly destroyed, usually as a result of decay or fractures. In cases where it is possible to preserve the root with root canal treatment, the core is installed inside the root to support the prosthetic crown.

The core is the internal reinforcement part of a dental crown

This is an important stage in providing support and strength to the porcelain dental crown. See more about dental core materials. If the crown were installed without a core, the prosthesis would probably not be able to withstand the masticatory effort and consequently its duration would be shorter.

See also this article on our blog which talks a little more about root canal treatment, core and porcelain crown. Today, the reinforcement core (dental post) can be made from various types of materials: from metal to zirconia, fiberglass and carbon fiber.

The choice of material depends on a number of factors, such as the location in the dental arch and the masticatory load that the crown will be subjected to.

The metal core is considered more resistant (especially suitable for the most hidden and used area of the arch), while zirconia is considered more aesthetic because it is white (suitable for the most visible area, i.e. the front of the arch).

The prosthetic crown can be made from two different materials: resin (plastic with a metal core) or porcelain (with a metal or aesthetic core). Porcelain is more resistant and aesthetic than resin.

Learn more about computer-designed crowns.

How treatment is carried out:

In some cases, root canal treatment is performed to preserve the root;
The root and tooth are prepared to receive the core;
When made of metal, the impression is taken directly inside the root;
When in zirconia, the post is cemented into the root;
A core mold is taken to prepare the prosthetic crown. At ImplArt, this mold can be made conventionally (with putty) or digitally using intraoral scanners;
The crown is installed on the core;
The duration of the procedure varies, as it depends on the complexity of each case. For some people it can be carried out in a Day Clinic.

Advantages of the technique:

The dental crown restores chewing ability as well as the aesthetics of the smile;
The appearance of this type of prosthesis is very similar to natural teeth, so it is indistinguishable when fitted;
Your smile will be beautiful and complete again, free of unsightly spots such as cavities, metal restorations, absences, etc;
The roots are protected and healthy;

dental core and crown — Why is it necessary to place a post and core to make a dental crown?

Dentures are very durable, but they may need to be replaced after a few years. This need is verified during regular visits to the dentist’s office.

In cases where teeth are weakened and it is no longer possible to rebuild the tooth with a crown, dental implants are recommended. If you have any questions, please make an appointment or contact us. We’ll be happy to help you.