Facing a painful or deeply infected tooth can be stressful. You might hear conflicting advice: save the tooth with a root canal or extract it and get a dental implant. For residents of Orem, Provo, and the greater Utah County area, understanding your options is the first step toward relief. At Cascade Endodontics, our specialist, Dr. Jon Jenson, is dedicated to one primary goal: helping you save your natural teeth whenever possible.
Deciding between these two excellent treatments depends entirely on the health of your individual tooth. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you understand the choice.
When a Root Canal is the Better First Choice
The philosophy in modern dentistry is simple: there’s nothing quite as good as your natural tooth. Preserving it maintains the intricate feedback system, known as proprioception, that tells your brain how hard you’re biting. This helps protect your other teeth from excessive force. Saving your tooth also preserves bone, maintains your natural bite alignment, and is often more cost-effective and less time-consuming than extraction and implant placement.
Under the skilled care of an endodontic specialist like Dr. Jenson, a root canal is often the best path forward in these situations:
- Deep Decay or Injury: When a cavity reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, causing inflammation or infection (symptomatic irreversible pulpitis).
- Restorable Cracks: A crack that hasn’t split the root allows the tooth to be saved and restored with a crown.
- Failed Previous Treatment: If a prior root canal fails, a specialist can often successfully retreat the tooth or perform a minor surgical procedure called an apicoectomy to resolve the infection.
At Cascade Endodontics, we use advanced technology to make saving your tooth more predictable than ever. Tools like 3D CBCT imaging, high-powered operating microscopes, and ultrasonic instruments allow Dr. Jenson to treat even complex root canal systems with precision. Combined with gentle anesthesia and modern bioceramic sealers, the process is comfortable and effective.
When an Implant May Be Necessary
While we always aim to save your tooth, some situations make it impossible or unwise to do so. In these cases, extraction followed by a dental implant becomes the most predictable and durable solution. An implant can provide a stable, functional, and beautiful replacement.
An implant may be the recommended path if your tooth has:
- A Vertical Root Fracture: A crack that runs down the length of the root, making the tooth unsalvageable.
- Non-Restorable Damage: Decay or trauma that extends so far below the gumline and bone that a crown cannot be securely placed.
- Severe Periodontal Bone Loss: Advanced gum disease that has destroyed the bone support needed to keep the tooth stable.
- Unfavorable Crown-to-Root Ratio: When there isn’t enough root structure remaining in the bone to support a restoration.
Your Consultation at Cascade Endodontics
Making the right decision starts with a proper diagnosis. When you visit our Orem office, Dr. Jenson will conduct a thorough examination, often including advanced imaging, to assess your tooth’s long-term prognosis. We prioritize your comfort, explaining our findings clearly and answering all your questions. Our team will help you understand why one path may be better than another for your specific circumstances.
If you’ve been told you need an extraction or are simply unsure about the future of a painful tooth, a second opinion from a specialist can provide clarity and peace of mind. Don’t rush into a decision.
Contact Cascade Endodontics today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jenson. Let us help you find the best solution to preserve your healthy, comfortable smile.