Tooth with Root Canal Extracted: Should I Get a Dental Implant?

An implant to replace a missing tooth is a good treatment plan unless there are other conditions present that would contraindicate it. The fact that it had a root canal before is not a contraindication for an implant. A bone graft is always a good idea if you have deficient bone in the area or if you want to prevent bone loss. The greatest amount of bone loss occurs soon after the tooth is extracted, and if it happens to be in an area that you can see (like the smile zone) then it is even more important. A tooth with bone loss around it will look longer than normal. Good luck, Carlos A. Boudet, DDS, DICOI

I agree with Dr. Boudet, that an implant is an important treatment alternative. In fact, I believe that in most cases it should be the first treatment alternative when a tooth is missing... and the reason is that an implant is the only treatment that replaces the root of the tooth. It is the root that supports the crown that you see and eat with. Implants replace the root, and thus support the new tooth (crown), and allow for stimulation through the bone, which helps to maintain the bone in that area. Sometimes as was noted, it might be necessary to place a bone graft first, and then come back to place the implant once that area is well healed. An implant is an excellent choice if the circumstances allow.Scott D. Ganz, DMD