Root Canal or Extraction-- What To Do

So I have this tooth, lower jaw, back of mouth.
It's had quite a lot of dental attention over the years, and can no longer be filled. For a reason I cannot remember, it is not a candidate for a crown.

A few years ago, my former dentist and I discussed this tooth. And, I decided that when the time came I would have it pulled.
My dentist stopped taking my dental insurance and I was forced to a new doctor.

This new guy doesn't really know this tooth's history....seems dentists don't really send your records over, only the most recent Xrays.

So, this week I have some minor pain, made worse when I chew with that tooth.
The new dentist tells me today there is a small abscess forming and I need a root canal.
Then a crown.
And that I would probably need to have the crown next year due to insurance caps.

And I forgot the circumstances that led to my decision to have the tooth removed.

I've done some reading, and it seems leaving a dead tooth in your mouth may not be the best thing in the world for your health down the line.
On the other side, there can be some issues with having the tooth pulled.
But, hell, I'm no kid anymore....and it won't show when I smile.

I am still leaning toward the extraction, but would like to hear what some of you have done with regard to a back tooth going bad.

a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

I got 2 dead teeth in my mouth and I am a heart attack waiting to happen.


Get it pulled! I don't really see a reason for a root canal......

a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

Since you have a little bit of time, get some antibiotics for the infection and get the rest of your dental records sent over to the new dentist. Usually you sign a waiver for permission and are charged a fee per page of records sent.

You can also go to an Oral Surgeon and get a more informed opinion about your options.

If possible see if you have a Dental School in any of your nearby hospitals since they are radically less expensive, plus I've found they are way more up to date on things than regular dentists in private practice. They accept most insurances as well.

a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

Extraction cheaper.

Burgers taste like burgers even if you have to pulvarize them in a blender.

I assume by ''back tooth'' you mean a molar.

If you're young, meaning early 30's or younger, I'd go with the root canal. Keep in mind though, no matter how they numb it, there will be pain involved.

Depending on your family genetics, previous tooth care, etc., especially if you are any older, I'd just have it pulled. At some point, it'll likely have to come out anyway, and why wait? Just get it over with.

Just my $0.02

originally posted by: seeker1963
a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

I got 2 dead teeth in my mouth and I am a heart attack waiting to happen.
Get it pulled! I don't really see a reason for a root canal......

^^^^^What they said^^^^^

But what I don't understand is ... your first dentist said it wasn't suitable for a

crown, and your present dentist says you can have a crown all be it

a year down the line??

a reply to: Brywilson2

Indeed, it is a molar.
And I do have crappy teeth.

Probably have at least 6 crowns already.

Urgh

I feel ya.

Extraction and Implant on the cards. Crown not an option.

I am total denial.

a reply to: eletheia

I cannot remember.
Good point, though.
Thanks.

But the crown would happen after the root canal....I guess that means the tooth would be deemed healthy enough.

a reply to: zazzafrazz

Don't implants cost and arm and a leg, though??

Rot canal saves the tooth. I've had one and it's no worse than a crown. DON'T LOSE TEETH if there's no good reason to.

a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

In the US every plan is different, but most cover the cost of just the crown. I got a dental plan with a 2.5 cap, cost me more, but Ill be out of pocket just over 400.
No insurance 3-4 K.

originally posted by: DontTreadOnMe

But the crown would happen after the root canal....I guess that means the tooth would be deemed healthy enough.

Is it between two teeth?? If so have you considered a bridge? or a cantilever

bridge?

Remove it and get an implant. Root canals don't last. You should see what passes
for crowns and root canals, Jesus H. Christ, I have removed nails from my jaw...

Just thinking about this makes me want to punch a dentist, and a cop...

effing NAILS!, I swear to God I have.

No tooth is a better tooth than a root canal.

# 748

a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

Had the same problem a couple months ago but I just had it extracted.

Cheap, plus they told me I'd have to see a specialist to do the procedure. I really didnt feel like getting a loan to save a tooth.

Rich people get root canals. Poor folk have crooked smiles lol

If the abscess is caused from plaque build-up deep between the tooth and gums, what good will a root canal do? I had a root canal done on a front tooth years ago and ended up having it pulled anyway. The dentist couldn't deaden the tooth after 2 tries and told me he could get it deadened if he could drill into the root canal. Pain much. If the abscess problem is plaque you should go to a dental surgeon to have it done. I had that done on a back tooth and the dentist had to split the gums to reach completely around and under the tooth to remove the plaque.

Take it to a dental surgeon if you can. If it can be saved they are the people to do it otherwise, I'd just have it pulled.


PS: Heart problems can be attributed to problems with the teeth.

a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

Get it pulled, no tooth, no problem

I would have all my teeth pulled if my dentist would allow and have metal teeth as replacements if given the choice

a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

I've been through this with my Beloved. He's had serious tooth issues in his elder years due to not getting proper dental care through the years. He's had crowns, implants, you name it.... Our current dentist has put in a bridge for him that works just like a tooth but it's a synthetic material (some sort of plastic I think) that works just as well as a tooth. Now his is between two other molars so I'm not sure if it would work with a back molar.
It never hurts to ask questions until you are comfortable with your decision. He got the bridge so he has a stable chewing platform. But he has really bad teeth and has spent a small fortune on them rather than have them all pulled and go with dentures.

When I had a bad back molar I just had it pulled and have never missed it.

originally posted by: DontTreadOnMe
a reply to: zazzafrazz

Don't implants cost and arm and a leg, though??

Yes they do. But if you have a molar extracted your jaw bone will deteriorate and you'll be in real trouble. This happened to my wife. Could'a fixed it for $3K wound up costing me $15K.

I have four gold crowns covering root canals. Best damned decision I've ever made about my health. Yes, the gold is a bit more expensive, but your dentist has to know what he's doing to work with gold. Mine proved his skill by replacing my existing fillings with gold.

He only made two mistakes. One was he didn't numb me up right. That hurt like a MFer. The other one I'll never figure. He missed one of the roots and that tooth took a longer period to treat as a result.

There are people in this thread who are way more knowledgeable than I am. Just sharing my first & second-hand experiences.

originally posted by: diggindirt
But he has really bad teeth and has spent a small fortune on them rather than have them all pulled and go with dentures.

My dad did this. He never liked the dentures and I swear to God losing his teeth put him in an early grave.