root canal and crown as opposed to extraction?

Question

This is more of a monetary concern; the dentist was suggesting I get a root canal over a year ago but I kept going back with no problems, and there wasn't any pain. I lost my job, relocated and am just now getting around to seeing the dentist again. This time I do have pain and I'm taking 800 mg Ibuprofen for the pain, but they suggested I go to someone else for the root canal, and then back to them for the crown. Between the two I am out of pocket a full grand, and the insurance covers the rest. Then again I can get an extraction for like $50 out of pocket, which is tempting, but they claim since the extraction is on the bottom the top tooth will want to fall out of place as there's nothing to hold it up. I'm still considering the extraction, and I'll worry about that other tooth later - a grand is like 1 1/2 of my checks it takes 3 weeks to save that. Plus that is assuming that I do not pay my bills in the interim ... If I had more time to play with, I would.

Answer 1

Generally speaking, it is much better to save your natural tooth than to extract it. If there is anything you can do to save it you should. Make sure if you do get the work done that you go to an endodontist and not a general dentist. An endodontist had 2 additional years of specialized training specifically on rooth canals. If you'd like a referral to a good endodontist in your area, feel free to email me.

Answer 2

Doing the root canal and crown is the best way to go but if you don't have the money then there is not much you can really do about that. The tooth above the tooth you want to extract will over time drop down into the space where there is no tooth and your bottom teeth could also shift and move into the space. This is something that you should think about. You could always have a bridge or an implant done later to replace the tooth but both of those procedures are more than the root canal and the crown.

Answer 3

let's face it if you had the money you would probably do the root canal and crown. Without money you really don't have much of a choice. When you get ahead financially possibly you can have a tooth replacement where it attaches to the other two teeth that way the bottom tooth will not move positions.

Answer 4

The root canal crown issue you already understand, what you're really asking is are there options to pay. Contact your local dental school and see if any students in endodontics need a patient. My wife is an endodontist and I remember when she was in school finding patients was difficult, all work is done under strict supervision.