Getting a molar removed

Intifada

A filling in my lower left second molar fell out a number of years ago and since then the hole has got larger to the point where there's essentially half a tooth there. Other than constantly needing toothpicks and numerous cuts to my tongue, it hasn't posed much of a nuisance til now when it's started aching a bit.

A dentist a while back mentioned the possibility of saving it with a root canal, although he wasn't sure. The mental cost of RCT plus a crown or whatever it is you need on top, and the fact it's not even a permanent solution is really putting me off. I want it out.

Now I've had a wisdom tooth out before and while the procedure was pretty quick and painless getting it done was not. Had to go for a "check up" to be referred to a dental surgeon who gave me another check up in order to tell me I needed the treatment I said I wanted in the first place, which then cost a few hundred. I'm hoping this is easier since it's not as far back and presumably not as embedded into the jawbone.

Does it count as a 'surgical extraction' or just a regular one? I can check online prices in my local area (Galway) but what's a reasonable cost?

Thanks

Oral Surgeon

Intifada wrote: »

A filling in my lower left second molar fell out a number of years ago and since then the hole has got larger to the point where there's essentially half a tooth there. Other than constantly needing toothpicks and numerous cuts to my tongue, it hasn't posed much of a nuisance til now when it's started aching a bit.

A dentist a while back mentioned the possibility of saving it with a root canal, although he wasn't sure. The mental cost of RCT plus a crown or whatever it is you need on top, and the fact it's not even a permanent solution is really putting me off. I want it out.

Now I've had a wisdom tooth out before and while the procedure was pretty quick and painless getting it done was not. Had to go for a "check up" to be referred to a dental surgeon who gave me another check up in order to tell me I needed the treatment I said I wanted in the first place, which then cost a few hundred. I'm hoping this is easier since it's not as far back and presumably not as embedded into the jawbone.

Does it count as a 'surgical extraction' or just a regular one? I can check online prices in my local area (Galway) but what's a reasonable cost?

Thanks

A surgical extraction usually runs at €150-250 depending on who does it....

Intifada

I know, I think mine cost 3-400 (100 for the LA). I'm asking if a regular molar would likely require surgical extraction or if it's just a routine one?

Oral Surgeon

Intifada wrote: »

I know, I think mine cost 3-400 (100 for the LA). I'm asking if a regular molar would likely require surgical extraction or if it's just a routine one?

No one can really tell that without seeing your tooth or xray.

Sounds like it is broken down and broken down molars often require a surgical approach...

Intifada

How much would have to be broken down to require surgical? There is more than half left, it's certainly in better nick than the wisdom I had out.

Dianthus

Intifada wrote: »

How much would have to be broken down to require surgical? There is more than half left, it's certainly in better nick than the wisdom I had out.

It's not an exact science. Whilst the tooth may look fine to you on the outside, there may be extensive decay lurking beneath. Other factors- shape& length& position& number of roots, jaw bone thickness& consistency, presence/absence of underlying infection, practitioner experience (general dentist/specialist oral surgeon) all come in to play also.
Go to your dentist for a 5minute check& possibly an up-to-date X-ray, you can plan& shop& budget accordingly thereafter.

Intifada

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate that you can't give a concrete answer over the internet. Like I said though, I had to waste a lot of time and money the last time to be told something I already knew, so I was hoping to avoid it this time!

Oral Surgeon

Intifada wrote: »

How much would have to be broken down to require surgical? There is more than half left, it's certainly in better nick than the wisdom I had out.

I've had very difficult "fully intact" extractions and really easy removal of roots buried below the gum.
As explained above, there is a lot of factors in play, what you can see is just one....

Intifada

Out of interest then, what sort of things would complicate it and what sort of things make for easy removal?

Dianthus

Intifada wrote: »

Out of interest then, what sort of things would complicate it and what sort of things make for easy removal?

OP, I'm worried you'll walk into a dental surgery with a checklist/self-diagnosis of the problem & a self-prescription as to the solution,& what that should or should not cost! Your first post was 6 days ago, for the sake of a 5 minute visit to your dentist for an opinion&/xray, it's a false economy to think you're saving yourself time& money in an internet search for answers your own dentist can give you in a fraction of that time.

Intifada

Dianthus wrote: »

OP, I'm worried you'll walk into a dental surgery with a checklist/self-diagnosis of the problem & a self-prescription as to the solution,& what that should or should not cost!

Well my last "self diagnosis" was entirely correct, and what harm in walking in knowing whether I'm being ripped off or not?

Your first post was 6 days ago, for the sake of a 5 minute visit to your dentist for an opinion&/xray, it's a false economy to think you're saving yourself time& money in an internet search for answers your own dentist can give you in a fraction of that time.

Why do you keep saying this 5 minute thing. For starters it is a half day off work, not 5 minutes, and it costs upward of €50.

Big_G

Intifada, a dentist is not a proxy for you to use to exercise your own treatment plan. While this may have been frustrating for you in the past, there are plenty of excellent reasons why this is the case.
If you want to have a diagnosis, attend a dentist and seek advice. This forum is not for seeking diagnosis, not even in a roundabout way.
I understand your concern about costs and time etc. But the experts here, even if they had your xrays and photographs, are not allowed to diagnose you here and are also not allowed to advise you regarding treatment apart from the sage: 'attend your dentist'.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Loads of dentists open late and on weekends.

Dianthus

Intifada wrote: »

Well my last "self diagnosis" was entirely correct, and what harm in walking in knowing whether I'm being ripped off or not?
Why do you keep saying this 5 minute thing. For starters it is a half day off work, not 5 minutes, and it costs upward of €50.

I know Galway has rural spots but surely it can't take 3-4 hours to attend a dentist for a few minutes? Would your workplace not accommodate you to take a late/extended lunch, or leave half an hour earlier?
As regards being "ripped off", hell, there are easier ways for dentists to earn money then launching into an unnecessary surgical extraction!
I hope you get your tooth sorted& find a dentist that you trust& believe in.