Root Canal vs. Dental Implant: Which Is Right for You?

We know it is a scary feeling when you may face this important decision: root canal or dental implant? At Lakeview Dental, our experienced team helps you understand both treatments so you can make the best choice for your smile, budget, and long-term oral health.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

A root canal saves your natural tooth by removing infection from inside the tooth’s root canals.

What Happens During a Root Canal

• Local anesthesia ensures you stay comfortable and pain-free.
• The dentist gently removes infected tissue, cleans and seals the canals, and places a filling.
• Many patients receive a protective crown a few days later or even the same day. 

Who Needs a Root Canal

• Severe decay reaching the tooth pulp.
• Sensitive teeth that wake you up at night or cause severe pulsing pain. 
• Cracks or trauma allowing bacteria inside.
• Advanced infection that can still be saved before extraction is required.
  

Advantages

• Keeps your natural tooth in place.
• Typically completed in 1–3 visits over a couple of weeks.
• Recovery is usually just a few days.

Considerations

• Delaying treatment can allow infection to spread, making the tooth unsalvageable, and infecting other teeth in the mouth. Oftentimes it can cause headaches, earaches, sinus issues or even jaw problems.
• Mild sensitivity may last for a short period after the procedure.
  
  

Tooth Extraction & Dental Implant

If a tooth cannot be saved, a dental implant replaces the entire tooth—from root to crown—for a permanent, natural look.

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What to Expect

• Extraction: The damaged tooth is gently removed.
• Implant Placement: A biocompatible post is inserted into the jawbone.
• Crown Restoration: After the bone heals around the post, a porcelain crown is attached.
  
  

Benefits of a Dental Implant

• Looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
• Replaces the missing tooth without compromising adjacent teeth.
• Can last as long as other options like bridges with proper care.
• Supports bridges or dentures for multiple missing teeth.

Considerations

• Requires multiple visits over several months for healing.
• Higher upfront cost than a root canal, but long-lasting and conservative.

How to Decide: Root Canal vs. Implant

Both treatments have high success rates. A root canal is ideal if the tooth can be saved. A dental implant is best if the tooth is beyond repair or has already been lost.

Our dental team will evaluate your tooth with X-rays and discuss:

• Extent of infection or damage through advanced x-ray imaging and intraoral pictures.
• Your overall oral health and bone density.
• Your timeline, budget, and personal preferences.
  
  

Why Choose Lakeview Dental

Patients have trusted Dr. Le and Dr. Nguyen for many years for their advanced restorative dentistry skills. Whether you need a gentle root canal, a single-tooth dental implant, or full-mouth rehabilitation, our modern office offers:

• State-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Flexible payment plans and membership options.
• Compassionate care from dentists who prioritize your comfort and well-being. 

Schedule Your Root Canal Near Me at Lakeview Dental

Don’t wait for an infection or damage to decide for you. Call Lakeview Dental at 407-798-8005 or visit thelakeviewdental.com to book your appointment. We proudly serve patients in our surrounding Winter Garden, FL and Horizon West, FL communities, helping you choose the best solution for a strong, confident smile.