I\u2019m 77 and have a dilemma about whether to get a root canal or an extraction and implant. Over the past year, many of my old fillings have failed and need to be replaced. I recently had a crown placed on my upper second molar, and during the procedure, my dentist found a cavity and a crack in the upper first molar next to it. She recommends crowning that tooth, too.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m concerned about needing a root canal after going through the process of getting a crown. I’m not sure whether it’s better to wait or consider a root canal now rather than needing one later. When is it better to remove a tooth instead of restoring it with a crown and, if necessary, a root canal? Thanks. Jen from RI<\/p>\n
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Jen,<\/p>\n
Replacing missing upper molars helps maintain a healthy bite. Without replacement, even at 77, the opposing lower molars can gradually move upward into the space. The changes can affect how teeth fit together. Even if the bite remains stable, chewing on only one side of your mouth can place extra stress on the remaining teeth. It makes sense to include a replacement plan whenever extraction is considered.<\/p>\n
Both dental implants and root canal therapy have strong success records. However, dental implants are predictable tooth replacement options. Root canal treatment is highly successful when performed by a specialist using current techniques.<\/p>\n
While implants have an advantage in reliability<\/a> and rarely fail, treating a failed implant is often considerably more complex than treating a failed root canal. A root canal and crown usually cost significantly less than an implant and crown.<\/p>\n Understanding the strengths and limitations of each option can make the decision easier.<\/p>\n Although there is a small possibility that a crowned tooth could require a root canal later, preserving the tooth is a priority. A more conservative approach is to restore the tooth with a crown<\/a> and address a root canal only if it becomes necessary in the future. Preserving natural teeth whenever possible generally provides the greatest long-term benefit.<\/p>\n The information you provided does not suggest that these teeth are at high risk of needing root canal treatment. There was no mention of increased sensitivity or other symptoms that would raise concern about the health of the dental pulp.<\/p>\n This blog is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek, who has advanced training in complex restorative dentistry<\/a>, and where we are welcoming our new associate, Dr. Andrea Biondo<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I\u2019m 77 and have a dilemma about whether to get a root canal or an extraction and implant. Over the past year, many of my old fillings have failed and need to be replaced. I recently had a crown placed on my upper second molar, and during the procedure, my dentist found a cavity and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-uncategorized","entry"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat Are the Advantages of Each Treatment?<\/h2>\n
Dental Implant and Crown<\/h3>\n
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Root Canal and Crown<\/h3>\n
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It Tooth Extraction Worth It to Prevent a Root Canal?<\/h2>\n