Root canal or an Implant

[Fiona]

Dear Dentist

I saw my dentist recently for a checkup and he told me that one of my molars needs to be either extracted or root canal filled. The tooth is not causing me any pain but he says that there is infection around that molars roots.

I really dont wish to lose my tooth but I have read that Implants can be put in after extractions and they are just as good as my own tooth. Can you advise me if I should have a root filling or an Implant? Which one is less painful and which one lasts longer.

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Its difficult to anwser this question without seeing your tooth. Sometimes a heavily decayed tooth may have severe infection and maybe has lost a lot of supporting bone and may even have fractures, in this situation an extraction and an implant may be the best option.

Generally speaking, if a tooth is savable, it is better to carry out root treatment and try to keep the tooth. If on the other hand, a tooth is unsavable, the options would then be extraction and either a gap, denture, bridge or an implant.

To anwser your question accurately, we would need to see you for a consultation.