Just got home from the dentist and need to make a decision?

Question

I have a crown that is 10 years old. Started to experience extreme sensitivity. He did an x ray and found decay under the crown. Went in today to get the old crown removed and impressions for the new crown. He found more decay than he expected.
The tooth is in the top right and very back of my mouth. He said I should think about either extraction or root canal.
What are the advantages/disadvantage of each?
If I get the root canal can the decay still return at a later date?
How painful is the root canal?
Thanks!!

Answer 1

If the tooth is in the far back upper - I would actually recommend having it extracted. Least to worst is the mantra, however, and your dentist can give you more info on this, I'm sure - but - a root canal is much less painful than the name 'sounds'. Proper anesthesia is the key. A root canal will not 'guarantee' that decay won't return - it simply destroys the nerve in the tooth root and you won't feel pain (or anything else for that matter) where that tooth is. the same holds true with extraction and the recovery is slightly less traumatic for extraction than it is for a root canal, temporary cap, fitting, and placement of new crown - it's also about $1K + cheaper to simply have the tooth pulled. It really comes down to economics and personal preference. for me - I'd say pull it and be done with it.

Answer 2

it depends on your economical situation. root canals are expensive compared to extractions. but in the long run extractions cost more because you would need a bridge or a implant so your other teeth wont shift to their position. if you get the root canal, your tooth can still decay. you just wont feel it decaying and theres a 50/50 chance that the root canal will fail. if the root canal does fail it will hurt worse than what your feeling rite now (if u have pain) if its successful you will be in pain for a couple of days just like an extraction. an extraction on the other hand is real quick, but you would need to get a fake tooth to take the place of the tooth thats getting extracted so your other teeth dont shift.

if its the very last tooth in the back of your mouth though i would say extract it. if there's a tooth further back to the one that has a crown then you should get a bridge/implant but if theres no teeth past that tooth then leave it without a bridge/implant

Answer 3

Root canal work (endodontics) removes the broken down, 'mushy' remnants in the centre of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels used to be. That space is then filled with a compound that stops the bugs coming back and setting up shop that could lead to an abscess. HOWEVER, it is not a dead cert for success due to the problems in accessing the tooth (esp. at the back), the amount of infection and the complicated shape of the canals (3 or 4 back there!). Best bet...75% chance of success.

Really, honestly, truthfully...have it out. The chances are that in the medium term you will lose it regardless but only after having stumped up for the root canal work and a crown plus all the extra bits and pieces. I wouldn't be saying that if it were a front tooth that could be seen when you smile, but back there? If it were me, I'd bite the bullet and save the cash, treat yourself to something FAR more enjoyable!

By the way, I'm a dental surgeon who hates to see people coerced into parting with cash for things that aren't in their best interests!

Answer 4

I have the worst teeth ever and have had both of these procedures perfomed. The bad thing about getting an extraction is that there will be an empty space in the back of your mouth (unless you get a bridge). When there is an empty space in your mouth, your other teeth spread apart. I had an extraction three years ago (in the same spot as yours) and can tell the difference in the spacing between my teeth.

If I were you, I would opt for the root canal. The procedure may be more painful, but at least you still have a tooth there.

Answer 5

Have had root canals and did not experience pain but they are expensive. You can still get decay after the root canal but it just wont hurt. If you get an extraction, you will need to get a bridge or your other teeth will shift into this vacant space. Its a matter of personal choice and perhaps cost.

Answer 6

ever heard the expression: 'I'd rather have root canal without anaesthetic'?
Root canal HURTS
extraction on the other hand doesnt hurt, u just feel numbness in ur cheek for about 2hrs and a bit of blood but extraction is better in long term, also u dnt need 2 constantly b weary of damaging ur tooth again

Answer 7

The only thing I can tell you is that my son has both had an extraction (for orthodontic reasons) and has also had a root canal. Neither one hurt at all. Sorry, I don't know the advantages/disadvantages.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

DO YOU REALLY NEED THIS TOOTH TO CHEW WTH?
A ROOT CANAL MEANS YOU WILL ALSO NEED A NEW CROWN.
ADD UP ALL THE + AND - AND SEE IF HAVING THIS TOOTH WHICH NOBODY WILL EVER SEE IS REALLY WORTH SAVING?