Extraction vs. Root Canal

rjt

My lower right first molar is quite badly decayed, so I've been told that my options are either an extraction or a root canal. There's no pain yet, but the erosion is very visible. Anyway, I would've assumed that my dentist would be pushing the root canal - it's more business for him, and it's surely the better option from a dental health point of view (maybe I'm wrong here though). But he keeps on stressing the price of the root canal (1300 for the root canal and the crown, as opposed to 120 for the extraction), and that most people he's treated have opted for the extraction for that particular tooth (I guess because it's far back so not that visible).

Is it really that rare to want to keep the tooth? What are the pros and cons of the extraction?

abbey2000

maybe based on his experience, due to the cost factors involved, most people would opt for the extraction in this case? and i suppose with the recession and crippling budget, maybe its going to get even more popular.

i have a lower back tooth missing on my left and right side, they were extracted when i was in my early teens (many years ago now!). i had orthodontic treatment recently and had to have two of my upper teeth extracted for that.

i have no issues with having them gone, they just arent there. I can eat, I can speak and have no issues without them.

but having said that..if another one of my teeth was faced with your options, i would try to keep it and prob opt for the rct and crown job. i just dont want any more of my teeth to be gone.

good luck with whatever option you decide to go for.

karltimber

Hi,

I am in the same boat as yourself.
I had a lower molar out 4 years ago and all is fine.
But the one that needs attention now only has 1 other molar behind it, which by itself (after an extraction) will loosen eventually.
I don't want to loose it so root canal it is so.

Cost - here, about 1500-1800€ all in for the root and crown.

Up north - approx 500-700€ for the same.

I have contacted two dentists so far and they have no appointments so have one or two more to try today.

will let you know how I get on.
But for 500€ odd - I will keep my tooth

k

Mink

I was in exact same position as you earlier this year. I had it done at dental hospital so getting root canal (3 roots) & crown wasn't going to be anywhere near as expensive as with private. But I had an abcess under the tooth & the supervisor was leaning more toward extraction because the root canal could take 4 visits & then still fail - ie; infection comes back & it has to bloody come out anyway.

So I said feck it, take the thing out. Extraction wasn't bad and it healed fast & I've forgotten it's gone & no one notices and I don't see the gap in the mirror.

I think root canal treatment is pretty traumatic so it's up to you if you want to put yourself through that.

MoonDancer

I had 2 crowns done a few years ago, luckly I didn't need a root canal, if I were you, I'd go for the crowns.
To be honest, I have a thing about extractions anyway! :eek: