Comparison of Root Canal vs. Dental Implant: Outcome and Success Rates

Tooth decay (cavity) has the potential to affect all parts of the tooth, which include: enamel, dentin, and the pulp (nerve of the tooth). Tooth decay is caused by poor hygiene which leads to different sugars accumulating in the mouth, producing bacteria. As the cavity grows in size and when the cavity has reached the pulp, more extensive treatment may be needed. Because dental cavities are the most common non-communicable disease worldwide, knowing the effectiveness of several treatments is very important to maintain good oral health. In adult patients with detrimental cavities or infections, a root canal or implant are two possible treatments that follow the standard of care. A systematic review was be conducted to evaluate whether root canal treatment or implant placement have a higher success and better outcome. A root canal option requires the patient to maintain a much stringent oral hygiene routine and follow up with maintenance visits at the dental office. However, an implant is a surgical procedure that may take time to osseointegrate and thus requires more patience and follow up visits from the patient. Although a root canal or an implant are two ways of successfully treating a cavity or infection, our research shows a root canal has a higher success rate and thus should be explored more carefully as a viable treatment option by a patient.