Save or Replace Your Tooth? — An Easy Guide to Root Canals, Crowns, Extractions & Implants

When a tooth is badly damaged or infected, you typically face two options: save it with a root canal and crown, or extract it and replace it with a dental implant. The right choice often depends on the condition of your tooth, your overall health, how much time and money you want to spend, and your personal preference.

Saving Your Tooth with a Root Canal

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes infected or injured nerve tissue (pulp) from inside your tooth, cleans the canals, and then fills and seals the space. Our Brisbane Dentists recommend it when the inside of your tooth is causing ongoing pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling or even a small bump on your gums. The goal is to get rid of the infection and stop it from spreading, so you can keep the rest of your natural tooth. Most people only need one or two visits, and thanks to local anaesthetics, the procedure feels similar to getting a normal filling.

10 Common Reasons for a Root Canal

Deep Cavity Reaching the Nerve

A deep cavity that reaches the nerve inside your tooth can cause pain and may lead to infection. If this happens, your dentist might suggest a root canal to remove the infected tissue and prevent the problem from getting worse.

Leaky or Old Filling

Older fillings can wear out or crack, allowing bacteria to sneak in under the filling. This can cause hidden decay that infects the nerve, and your dentist may recommend a root canal to clean out the infection.

Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A crack or chip in the tooth may let bacteria reach the nerve, causing pain and sensitivity. If the nerve gets infected, your dentist may advise a root canal to stop the infection and save the tooth.

Injury or Trauma to the Tooth

Even if a tooth looks fine, a hard knock or accident can hurt the nerve inside. If the nerve dies and becomes infected, a root canal may be needed to clear the infection.

Gum Pimple or Abscess

A small bump or pimple on your gums may signal pus from an infected tooth. If that’s the case, your dentist will likely do a root canal to remove the infection and drain it safely.

Persistent Throbbing Pain

If you get a steady, hard-to-ignore pain in a tooth, it often means the nerve is sick or infected. In this situation, a root canal can ease the pain and fix the problem.

Lingering Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

If hot or cold food makes your tooth hurt for a long time, it may mean the nerve is damaged. A root canal can remove the infected tissue and stop the sensitivity.

Foul Taste or Bad Breath from One Tooth

If one tooth causes a constant bad taste or smell, bacteria might be growing inside it. Your dentist may suggest a root canal to get rid of the infection and freshen things up.

Tooth Turning Dark or Gray

If a tooth goes darker or grey, it might mean the nerve inside is dead. A root canal will clean out the nerve and help restore the tooth’s look and health.

Tooth Feels Loose from Infection

An infection can damage the bone around a tooth, making it loose or wobbly. If so, a root canal followed by proper care can help remove infection and stabilise the tooth.

Factors That Make Root Canal Therapy Successful

A root canal works best when certain key conditions are met. Here are the main factors that help ensure a strong, healthy outcome:

• Skilled Dentist or Endodontist: Choosing a dentist or specialist with lots of experience matters a lot. They know how to use the right tools and follow the best steps to clean the inside of the tooth properly. Their skill helps lower the chance of missing an infected spot or causing damage during treatment.
• Early Treatment: The sooner you treat an infected tooth, the better. Acting fast stops the infection from spreading and damaging more of the tooth or bone. That gives your dentist a better chance of saving the tooth completely.
• Complete Cleaning of Every Root Canal: A tooth can have more than one canal, and each canal must be cleaned out fully. If even one canal stays infected, the infection can return. That’s why thorough cleaning is so important.
• Prompt Placement of a Strong Crown: Adding a crown soon after the root canal protects your tooth from breaking and keeps bacteria out. A good-fitting crown helps the tooth last longer and stay strong.
• Good General Health and No Smoking: Your overall health and habits make a big difference in healing. If you’re healthy and don’t smoke, your body heals better and fights infection more effectively.
• Consistent Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice a day, flossing, and keeping up with dental cleanings help prevent new infections. Healthy habits around your root‐canal tooth support long-term success.
• Avoiding Hard or Sticky Foods: You need to protect your treated tooth while it settles. Avoiding hard or chewy food reduces the risk of cracks or damage before the tooth gets a full-strength crown.
• Using a Night Guard if You Clench or Grind: Grinding or clenching at night can damage a treated tooth. A night guard gives it protection while it heals and over the long term. It makes sure you don’t accidentally hurt your tooth when you’re asleep.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Seeing your dentist regularly lets them check your root‐canal tooth and catch any signs of trouble early. Keeping up with regular dental check-ups in Brisbane means you give your teeth the best chance to stay healthy for years.

How To Prepare for a Root Canal

Before your appointment, your dentist will do a full check-up and X-rays to see if the tooth qualifies for a root canal and to plan the treatment effectively. You’ll also talk about the final crown—how much it costs, what material you’ll use, and when it will be fitted—so there are no surprises. If your tooth shows swelling or infection, your dentist might give you antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicine to help reduce it before the procedure.

On the day, have a light meal beforehand, like a sandwich or some soup, because your mouth will feel numb afterwards, which makes eating difficult. Let your dentist know about any health issues or medications you take, even if they seem unrelated to your teeth. This helps keep things safe and smooth during treatment.

Root Canal Procedure: Step by Step

Numbing the Area

Your dentist will give a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and the area around it. You might feel a quick pinch, but the numbness kicks in fast. After that, you won’t feel pain during the procedure.

Creating an Opening in the Tooth

Once the area is numb, the dentist drills a small hole in the top of the tooth. This gives access to the infected or damaged pulp inside.

Removing the Infected Nerve Tissue

The dentist uses fine tools to take out the damaged nerve and blood vessels from inside the tooth. They remove all the infected tissue carefully so infection doesn’t return.

Cleaning and Shaping the Canals

Next, they clean and shape each canal using special files and disinfectant. This step gets rid of germs and prepares the space to be filled.

Filling the Canals

Once they’re clean, the canals get filled with a rubber-like material, usually called gutta-percha. This seals the space and helps stop infection from coming back.

Sealing the Tooth

Your dentist seals the opening with a temporary or permanent filling. This protects the inside of the tooth from bacteria and food.

Placing a Crown or Permanent Filling

In one to two weeks, your dentist will fit a crown or a strong permanent filling. This restores the tooth’s strength and looks.

Final Bite Check and Adjustments

After the crown is in place, your dentist will check how your bite feels. They will make small adjustments to ensure the tooth feels right and comfortable to chew on.

Post-Procedure Instructions

You’ll get simple advice on handling pain, what to eat, caring for your tooth, and how to plan the crown fitting if it didn’t happen already. This includes tips for brushing and follow-up visits to make sure everything heals well.

How To Take Care of Your Tooth After a Root Canal

Below you can find clear and friendly steps to take care of your tooth after a root canal:

• Wait before eating or drinking: Give the numbness time to wear off. Chewing too early can cause you to bite your cheek or tongue or hurt the treated tooth.
• Stick to soft, mild-temperature foods: Eat foods like yoghurt, mashed potato, soup or scrambled eggs. Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, hot or cold items for a few days.
• Avoid chewing on the treated side: Until the permanent crown or filling is in place, keep chewy or hard foods away from that side to avoid damage.
• Use a cold compress for swelling: Place a cold pack on your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time if swelling appears. Repeat as needed.
• Take pain relief as directed: Mild discomfort is normal. Use over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen, following your dentist’s advice.
• Maintain gentle oral care: Brush twice a day and floss carefully, avoiding pressure on the treated tooth. An antiseptic mouthwash can help, too.
• Rinse with warm salt water: Swish gently with warm salty water a few times a day to help clean the area and ease soreness.
• Avoid smoking, straws and alcohol: These can slow healing, irritate your gums or dislodge temporary fillings.
• Get plenty of rest and avoid heavy exercise: Let your body focus on healing by relaxing and avoiding activities like running, heavy lifting or contact sports for a couple of days.
• Book your follow-up appointment: Make sure you return for the permanent crown or filling and for check-ups. Your dentist will check the healing and prevent future issues.

These simple steps help your tooth heal well, reduce pain and protect your smile for the long run. If something feels wrong, call your dentist right away.

Replacing a Tooth with a Dental Implant

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a small metal post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Your dentist places it in the jawbone, and once it heals, a crown is added on top to look and function like a natural tooth. Dentists usually recommend implants if you’ve lost a tooth or need one removed that can’t be saved. They are a strong, long-term option if your gums are healthy and you have enough bone to support the implant.

10 Common Reasons for an Implant

Tooth Already Missing

A dental implant fills the gap left by a missing tooth and lets you bite and speak like before. You get your smile back and feel more confident in simple things like eating or chatting. It’s a solid choice to restore both how your teeth look and how they work.

Loose or Sore Denture

If your denture wobbles or hurts your gums, implants can hold it firmly in place or even replace it completely. You won’t have to worry about irritation, sore spots or slipping dentures. They give much more comfort and stability than dentures alone.

Difficulty Chewing Favourite Foods

Implants let you chew hard or crunchy foods like crisp apples or nuts comfortably again. They work just like real teeth, so you don’t avoid the foods you love. That makes eating more enjoyable and balanced.

Hiding Your Smile Due to Gaps

A gap in your smile can make you hold back from smiling or feeling fully yourself. An implant fills the space so your teeth look natural and complete. That boost in appearance can lift your confidence every time you smile.

Teeth Drifting into Empty Space

If a gap stays empty, nearby teeth may drift over and make your bite uneven. Implants keep adjacent teeth in place, protecting your bite and alignment. You avoid bigger dental issues and keep your smile straight.

Jawbone Getting Thinner in That Spot

Losing a tooth often leads to bone loss in the jaw because it lacks stimulation. An implant mimics a tooth root and puts gentle pressure on the bone when you bite. That helps preserve bone and keeps your jaw strong.

Tooth Must Be Extracted Soon

Your dentist might suggest an implant before or after a difficult extraction to avoid further damage. Planning early protects nearby teeth from shifting and keeps your jaw healthy. It sets you up with a smoother, longer-lasting result.

Avoiding a Bridge That Affects Healthy Teeth

A traditional bridge needs healthy teeth next to a gap to hold it in place. With an implant, you don’t need to change those teeth—healthy enamel stays intact. That gives you a strong, independent tooth replacement that won’t harm surrounding teeth.

Old Bridge Failed and Side Teeth Are Weak

When a bridge fails, the supporting teeth may weaken and cause more problems. Replacing it with an implant means you rely on the implant, not those shaky teeth. That gives you a durable solution without affecting healthy teeth.

Good Health and Consistent Oral Care

Implants suit people who have healthy mouths and brush and floss daily. If you look after your teeth, an implant can last for decades. With regular check-ups and care, you help the implant stay problem-free and strong.

Factors That Make Dental Implant Surgery Successful

Healthy Bone and Gums: Healthy bone gives the implant a solid place to anchor, and strong gums help seal the area around it. If your jawbone has enough density, the implant can fuse well with it, keeping it stable for the long term. Healthy gums reduce the risk of infection around the implant, helping it heal smoothly .

Good Overall Health: Your body needs to heal well after surgery, and being in good health supports that. Conditions like diabetes or weak immune function can slow healing and raise infection risk . A healthy lifestyle improves your chances of a positive outcome.

No Smoking: Smoking narrows blood vessels, which lowers blood flow and slows healing after implant placement. Studies show smokers face higher risks of infection and implant failure. Stopping smoking before and after surgery gives implants a much better chance to succeed.

Expert Surgical Planning with 3-D Imaging: Using clear scans helps your dentist place the implant in exactly the right position. That makes sure it aligns correctly with your bite and avoids nerves or sinuses. Good planning also improves how well the implant bonds with the bone, reducing risks of complications later.

Excellent Oral Hygiene: Using clear scans helps your dentist place the implant in exactly the right position. That makes sure it aligns correctly with your bite and avoids nerves or sinuses. Good planning also improves how well the implant bonds with the bone, reducing risks of complications later.

A Well-Fitted Crown: A crown that fits perfectly on the implant evenly spreads the pressure from chewing. That avoids undue stress on the implant itself or on the bone around it . A good fit also makes the replacement look natural and feel comfortable in your mouth.

Avoiding Heavy Biting Forces: Avoid biting hard foods or grinding your teeth, especially as the implant heals. Too much pressure early on can stop the implant from bonding properly with your bone. If you grind your teeth, using a night guard helps protect the implant while it settles.

Regular Dental Check-ups: Your dentist will keep an eye on how the implant and surrounding gums are healing over time. Regular dental check-ups in Brisbane can help catch any early signs of infection or problems. Identifying issues early helps fix them before they affect your implant’s long-term success.

How To Prepare for Your Dental Implant Surgery

Complete a Full Dental Exam with 3-D Imaging

Your dentist will check your teeth, gums, and jaw using X-rays and 3-D scans. These images let them measure bone density and spot any concerns, like thin areas or hidden issues. This info helps plan exactly where the implant will go for the best fit and safety.

Treat Any Gum Disease or Cavities First

Your dentist needs healthy gums without infection before placing an implant. Treating gum disease or decay first lowers the chance of problems after surgery. Starting with a clean, healthy mouth gives the implant the best conditions to heal well.

Undergo a Bone Graft or Sinus Lift if Needed

If your jawbone doesn’t have enough strength, your dentist might build it up first. They can use a bone graft or move the sinus floor upward—a sinus lift—to add bone where it’s missing. These procedures help make sure the implant has strong support in your jaw.

Quit Smoking Several Weeks Before Surgery

Smoking cuts down blood flow and slows healing around the implant. Studies show that stopping before surgery lowers the risk of infection and implant failure. Taking a break from smoking helps your body handle the procedure more easily.

Arrange Time Off for Rest and Recovery

Plan a few easy days after surgery. Your mouth may feel sore or swollen at first, so resting helps your body recover. Avoid heavy exercise, flying, or stressful errands during this time.

Stock Up on Soft Foods and Supplies

Get soft foods like yoghurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days. Also have ice packs, pain relief and any medicine your dentist prescribes ready at home. These items will make recovery more comfortable.

Follow Any Medical or Fasting Instructions

Your dentist may ask you to fast before surgery, especially if you need sedation or swallowing medicine. They’ll also tell you if you need antibiotics or should stop certain medications. Listening closely will reduce risks during the procedure.

Share Your Complete Health History

Tell your dentist about any health conditions, prescriptions, over-the‑counter meds or supplements. Even small details, like allergies or a heart condition, help them plan safer care. Open communication lets your dental team customise treatment just for you.

Dental Implant Procedure: Step by Step

Below you’ll find each stage of the surgery:

Numbing the Area

Your dentist uses a local anaesthetic to fully numb your gums and jawbone near the implant site. You might feel a little pinch, but then the area goes numb quickly. This ensures you feel no pain during the procedure.

Making an Incision in the Gum

Next, the dentist makes a small cut in your gum to expose the jawbone underneath. This gives them direct access to place the implant. The cut stays small to help your gum heal faster.

Drilling a Space in the Jawbone

The dentist drills a precise hole into your jawbone for the implant post. They use careful depth and angle controls to match your bone and avoid structures like nerves or sinuses.

Placing the Titanium Implant Post

They insert the titanium post into the drilled hole—this acts like a tooth root. The post gives a strong base to attach the crown later.

Closing the Gum Over the Implant

Your dentist stitches the gum back over the implant area to protect it during healing. The stitches help keep bacteria out and support healthy gum recovery.

Healing and Osseointegration

Over the next 3–6 months, your jawbone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This makes the implant stable and secure, like a natural tooth root.

Attaching the Abutment

Once the implant secures in your bone, the dentist adds a small connector called an abutment. This joins the implant post to the crown you’ll get later.

Taking Impressions for the Crown

The dentist takes impressions of your teeth and abutment to make a custom crown that matches your other teeth. These models help the crown look natural and fit comfortably.

Placing the Final Crown

Once the crown arrives, your dentist attaches it to the abutment. This completes the treatment with a replacement tooth that looks real and works well.

Final Bite Check and Adjustments

Finally, your dentist checks how your bite feels and makes minor tweaks for comfort. A well-balanced bite ensures the implant stays healthy and helps you eat without issues.

Comparing Root Canal + Crown vs. Extraction + Implant

Both root canals and dental implants are reliable treatments, but they work differently and suit different situations:

Keeps the Natural Tooth

Root Canal + Crown: Yes, it preserves your original tooth structure. The dentist cleans and restores the tooth, keeping it in your mouth. This helps the tooth feel and function like your other teeth. Keeping your natural tooth also supports the surrounding teeth.

Extraction + Implant: No, the natural tooth is removed and replaced with an artificial root and crown. The dentist removes the damaged tooth completely. The implant acts as a new root and holds the crown in place. While it looks natural, it is still a replacement.

Surgical Involvement

Root Canal + Crown: Minimal surgery, limited to inside the tooth. The dentist treats the inside of the tooth without cutting the gum or bone. You stay awake with only the area numbed. Recovery is usually simple and quick.

Extraction + Implant: Involves tooth removal followed by jawbone surgery for the implant. First, the dentist removes the tooth. Then, they place a metal post into the jawbone. This step needs more healing and care.

Healing Time

Root Canal + Crown: Typically, just a few days of recovery. Most patients feel back to normal within a week. You can eat and speak comfortably soon after. Mild soreness is common but manageable.

Extraction + Implant: Requires 3 to 6 months for the implant to fully integrate with the bone. This time allows the bone to grow around the implant. You may need to avoid hard foods during healing. Patience is key for the best result.

Number of Dental Visits

Root Canal + Crown: Usually completed in 2 to 3 visits. The first visit removes the infection, and later visits place the crown. Some cases finish even faster. You won’t need many follow-ups unless problems arise.

Extraction + Implant: Often requires 4 to 6 visits spread over several months. Each stage, from extraction to implant to crown, needs its own appointment. Healing checks are also needed. The full process can take half a year.

Cost

Root Canal + Crown: Generally a moderate expense, depending on the crown material. It is often more affordable than an implant. Private health insurance may cover part of the cost. Long term, it can save money by preserving the natural tooth.

Extraction + Implant: Typically higher overall cost due to surgery, implant components, and multiple appointments. The implant itself and the crown add to the price. Some people see it as a long-term investment. It is important to ask your dentist for a full cost estimate.

Bone Preservation

Root Canal + Crown: The natural tooth helps maintain bone levels naturally. Your body keeps the bone healthy because the tooth root remains. This helps prevent bone shrinkage in that area. Supporting teeth to stay aligned.

Extraction + Implant: The implant preserves bone, but healing time is necessary before it’s fully effective. The metal post stimulates the bone like a real root. Without an implant or tooth, the bone would shrink over time. The implant helps prevent this.

Bite and Feel

Root Canal + Crown: Provides natural ligament feedback, making the bite feel just like your original tooth. This feedback helps you sense pressure and texture when eating. The crown feels smooth and stable. Overall, it keeps the natural sensation.

Extraction + Implant: Feels natural but slightly different since there’s no ligament between the implant and bone. You may not feel the same pressure sensitivity. Still, the implant works well for chewing and speaking. Most people adapt quickly to the new tooth.

Best Situations

Root Canal + Crown: Ideal when the tooth can be rebuilt and the infection thoroughly cleaned. If the tooth structure is mostly intact, saving it is often better. It avoids surgery and keeps your real tooth. Dentists prefer this when possible.

Extraction + Implant: Recommended when the tooth is too damaged, cracked, or weak to support a crown. Sometimes the tooth cannot be saved no matter the treatment. An implant is a good choice then. It replaces the lost tooth with a strong alternative.

Backup Options

Root Canal + Crown: If the root canal fails, an implant is still a viable next step. Retreatment or other options can also be considered. Saving the tooth is the first goal. If not, you can always replace it later with an implant.

Extraction + Implant: Already the final solution with no fallback needed. Once you replace the tooth with an implant, you don’t go back. The implant serves as the permanent root. Maintenance keeps it in good condition.

Feeling Nervous About Dental Treatment? Sedation Options Can Help

It’s completely normal to feel anxious about dental procedures, especially if the treatment sounds complex or takes a long time. For some people, this anxiety can be strong enough to delay or avoid visiting the dentist altogether. Thankfully, sedation options are available at our clinic to help you feel calmer and more comfortable during your appointment, no matter the type of treatment you need.

Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)

Laughing gas is a gentle way to help you feel more at ease while staying awake during the procedure. You breathe it in through a small mask, and it helps reduce feelings of stress or nervousness within minutes. The best part is that its effects wear off quickly, so you can usually continue your day as normal after your visit.

IV Sedation

For those who prefer to feel more relaxed, IV sedation may be the right choice. This type of sedation, which is also referred to as twilight sedation makes you feel very calm and disconnected from the treatment, even though you’re still conscious. Many people don’t remember much of the procedure afterwards, which can make the experience feel easier overall.

Sleep Dentistry (General Anaesthesia)

If you have severe dental anxiety, special healthcare needs, or need several treatments done at once, Sleep Dentistry in Brisbane, which involves general anaesthesia, might be recommended. Sleep Dentistry Brisbane puts you into a deep sleep, so you won’t feel or recall anything from the procedure. It’s a helpful option for patients who want a less overwhelming experience.

Need Advice on Root Canals or Implants? Speak With Our Dentist

Everyone’s dental needs are different — what works for one person might not be right for you. If you’re unsure about your options, give us a call on 07 3343 4869. You can book a consultation and get honest advice from our dentist. We also offer Humm and Supercare if you’re looking for flexible ways to manage the cost.