Ng YL, Mann V, Gulabivala K. A prospective study of the factors affecting outcomes of nonsurgical root canal treatment. International Endodontic Journal. 2011;44(7):583-609.
Pjetursson BE, et al. A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses after a mean observation period of at least 5 years. Clinical Oral Implants Research. 2012;23 Suppl 6:22-38.
European Society of Endodontology position statement: the management of the endodontically treated tooth. International Endodontic Journal. 2022;55(1):3-8.
Many patients hear "dental implant" and "root canal" and wonder if they're the same thing. In reality, these two procedures serve completely different purposes. This article explains the differences clearly so you can make informed decisions about your dental care.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is about "saving your existing natural tooth" when the tissue inside (pulp) becomes inflamed or infected — often due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma.
Key Steps
Access the tooth's root canal
Remove infected tissue and clean the canal
Fill the canal with specialized material
Place a crown to restore strength
Goal: Preserve your existing natural tooth — no extraction involved.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant "replaces a tooth that is already missing" by placing a titanium post into the jawbone, then attaching a crown on top.
Key Steps
Assess jawbone with CBCT (3D X-ray)
Surgically place the implant into bone under local anesthesia
Wait for bone integration (4-6 months)
Attach the final crown
Goal: Replace a tooth that is already gone — extracted or lost.
Comparison: Root Canal vs Dental Implant
Root Canal
Dental Implant
Goal
Save existing tooth
Replace missing tooth
When needed
Deep decay or infected tooth
Tooth already extracted or lost
Timeline
1-3 visits (1-2 weeks)
4-6 months (incl. healing)
Approx. cost
5,000-15,000 THB/tooth
40,000-80,000 THB/tooth
Durability
Treated tooth may be more fragile
Comparable to natural teeth
Success rate
97%
95-98% at 10 years
Which Should You Choose?
Simple guideline:
Tooth still present + restorable → Root canal (preserving natural teeth is always best)
Not sure → Consult a dentist for case-by-case evaluation
The European Society of Endodontology (2022) recommends that preserving the natural tooth should always be the first choice whenever treatment is possible, as no replacement material matches natural teeth. However, when a tooth is damaged beyond repair, dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Ng YL, Mann V, Gulabivala K. A prospective study of the factors affecting outcomes of nonsurgical root canal treatment. International Endodontic Journal. 2011;44(7):583-609.
Pjetursson BE, et al. A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses after a mean observation period of at least 5 years. Clinical Oral Implants Research. 2012;23 Suppl 6:22-38.
European Society of Endodontology position statement: the management of the endodontically treated tooth. International Endodontic Journal. 2022;55(1):3-8.