By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
When a tooth is badly damaged or infected, the question is whether to save it with a root canal or remove it and place an implant. Usually, saving the natural tooth is best.
Quick answer
If a tooth can be saved, a root canal is usually the better first choice, because keeping your natural tooth preserves bone and is often cheaper. An implant is the better option when the tooth is too damaged to save, cracked below the gum, or has failed previous treatment. A dentist decides based on how much healthy tooth and bone remain.
When a root canal is best
- Enough healthy tooth structure remains.
- The tooth can be sealed and crowned.
- You want to keep your natural tooth.
When an implant is better
- The tooth is cracked below the gum or too broken.
- A previous root canal has failed and cannot be redone.
- Severe bone loss around the tooth.
See our root canal guide and implant procedure. Get advice at The Tooth Studio.
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