Should I have it pulled or filled again?

Question

I've had all 4 of my "wisdom teeth" pulled, but before that, the one on my upper left rear had crushed the molar next to it. There's about a third of the tooth now missing and what was left had a big cavity because of it. I told my dentist (who is very good) that I wanted to have it pulled but he enthusiastically said he just wants to fix it.

So, I went through having a root canal and big filling. That was going great for several months, but one day I was eating and the filling came out (doesn't surprise me because I tend to gnash that tooth with my lowers). Now, there's basically a missing chunk and valley in the tooth and one of the remaining peaks is continuously being ground away.

I don't necessarily want to fix it again if this will keep happening. If you are a pro', please tell me what you think and what problems I may encounter if I just leave it as it is now.

Thank you.

Answer 1

if you had a root canal, it should get a post and crown on it. It's a bit on the costly side, but it will last a while. You always want to save as many teeth as possible becuase they help keep the other ones aligned and prevent bone loss

Answer 2

I've heard of people going through 3-4 root canals to fix teeth that should never have been fixed.

So, here's my little opinion, for what it's worth. Disclaimer: I'm a librarian, not a dentist...

Pull the tooth. Your mouth. Your dentist. You pay him to fix things in your mouth. What you are asking is not unreasonable.

If you leave a partially broken tooth in your mouth, more of it could break off... and it could absess. You don't want an absessed tooth. No one does. It's second only to... a root canal. Which I believe you've already gone through once.

The tooth is in the back, so it won't effect your smile. I say just get rid of it.

Answer 3

Instead of putting a filling again ask your dentist if it is better to put a crown on it($1,000) or pull it out($$$) and later you might decide to put an implant that can cost $2000. Leave it without a tooth will cause bone lost on that area(I think).
I'm not a dentist, but I slept at Holiday Inn yesterday :).

Answer 4

I would say pull it and get an implant. You don't want to leave the space empty, because that weakens the teeth on either side and you'll have bone loss. Implants last forever!

Answer 5

Have it pulled not only to stop the problem recurring but also the cost having it pulled is permanant and less expensive and you wont have any troubles eating without it.

Answer 6

you should go back to your dentist and have him fix it because, most reputable dentist will stand by their work,especially a costly venture like a root canal or crown replacement.

Answer 7

If its causing all that then get it pulled.

Answer 8

PULL IT