Implants vs. Endodontics

As an Orlando Dentist many patients call and ask questions about if they should do a root canal or just place an implant. That is a very good question? In years past the answer would have definitely been to do the root canal. I am a firm believer in doing the root canal most of the time since it is the tooth God gave you and no one can make it better than he. Doing the root canal when a tooth dies is because the nerve inside the tooth is affected. All you are removing is the tissue inside the tooth. The tooth is still good. In these cases it is better again to save the tooth. When a tooth becomes more compromised or has some strikes against it, then I start to consider the alternative. Now your prognosis might be guarded in doing a root canal , then I consider putting a implant in. If the tooth needs a surgery or crown lengthening or even a apicoectomy then I consider a implant. The apico is a root canal done surgically where you have to cut the end of the root from the top rather than going through the tooth. This is another circumstance I would consider an implant. These additional procedures that cost money and put the tooth prognosis in a guarded position makes me really think of Implant or Endodontics.
With Implants in this day being so successful I lean to placing these if there is a compromised situation. Implants are very successful and there really is no down side. The success rate is very high. You can take the tooth out and in a lot of cases place the implant at the same time or no later than 4 months later. Implants are a tooth like fixture made out of titanium that is put in as easily as a screw in a wall. You will now have a situation with the implant where there is minimal to no chance of failure and your money going forward. In my practice I always try to lay it out for my patients both ways. I should them the risks and benefits of both implant and root canal. Each situation is unique and different. You have to look at each tooth separately. In the end it is a judgement call by the dentist, but now with implants it is easier because you have a successful alternative and don't have to keep trying to save a tooth that will not make it long term.