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To Root Canal or to...not bother and just pull it out?

  • 31-03-2012 09:44PM
    #1
    splendid101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 655 ✭✭✭


    Hello Gangsters,

    Let me explain my situation:

    The tooth I am talking about is a molar on the top, on the right, at the very back. It would be second from the back only that one was pulled. If I count my front tooth and work backwards it is tooth number six.

    I had a filling on it and it broke. My mouth became extremely sensitive to cold drinks and it was causing me a lot of pain. I'd be woken up at night with the pain but Panadol, then Nurofen and then Nurofen Plus were enough to deal with the pain and allow me to sleep.

    For a variety of reasons, I put off going to the dentist (foolishly) for about four weeks.

    When I then went he took out the remains of the old filling and put in a temporary one. He said to leave it for four weeks and see if the pain went away. If it went he'd put in a proper filling, if not - a root canal more than likely.

    He also gave me antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

    So, the pain hasn't gone. It stopped the sensitivity to cold drinks but there is still sometimes a pain in what I suppose must be the root - above the tooth itself.

    I grind and clench my teeth in my sleep - a lot. I wonder if this is causing the pain as the grinding has become worse since my trip to the dentist.

    I know this is rather long but I'm trying to make what I'm experiencing as clear as I can.

    Given the position of the tooth is it worth getting a root canal and hoping that it works or should I just pull it the hell out? I don't feel particularly attached to that tooth given all the pain it has caused me.

    I've heard that Root Canals aren't always successful and that the tooth may just die anyway. Or that once the root is canalisised, it will gradually go to sh*t anyway so a canal will just be prolonging the inevitable.

    I just feel that spending €400+ may be unnecessary. I could pay 10% of that and just live without the fecking thing.

    How badly would I miss a tooth in that position?

    Thanks for reading and replying.

    Adios,

    Alan


Comments

  • #2
    prettygurrly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 727 ✭✭✭prettygurrly


    My dad had all of his back teeth pulled as a kid. You will miss the fullness in your face when you're older so if you're happy to wear a palate or a bridge (my dad isn't) then you wont miss it. If the dentist is doubtful about the root canal working then making you pay 400 euro is a bit mad. however, i know a few people who have had root canals and they've been fine after...better ask the dentist for an honest opinion. if he wants you as a future customer he should tell you the best thing to do.


  • #3
    darlett
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,316 ✭✭✭darlett


    Prolonging things aint sooo bad, we none of us live forever. I got root canal, very painful. VERY PAINFUL and expensive. But Im very glad I did it. 400 aint cheap but it aint the world either and you could spent it on ****e too, and I think if you start losing teeth it could be a slippery slope so I think prolonging it is the way to go.

    My tooth was sensitive for years and had a visible hole in it for years (I was a fool!), but its been saved for now and Im very happy with the results 3 years later, so my advice based on my currently happy tooth is to go for it.


  • #4
    splendid101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 655 ✭✭✭splendid101


    Thanks Pretty,

    I should have said above; I have an appointment for Wednesday. Don't want to rock in there then and not be 100% sure on what my best option is. I will be asking him his opinion as he's the pro but don't want to be pressured into getting the procedure done if it's not worth the dosh.

    My face is nice and full. Do you think it'd collapse without this tooth?


  • #5
    weezer77
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1 ✭weezer77


    Had the same problems you have described.
    So I had a root canal done on a front tooth on my lower jaw. Was fine for a year but then the pain came and the dentist tried another root canal but the tooth was dead so I just got it pulled.
    I had problems with grinding my teeth and thought I had to get another root canal because it felt like the same pain.
    Dentist gave me 'Sensi kin gel'.
    I just rubbed in on my teeth/gums before bed and the pain from the grinding stopped.


  • #6
    helimachoptor
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 21,840 Mod ✭✭✭✭helimachoptor


    Op, broke a back molar last week so wil be going for a root canal and a crown.
    My own opinion is that always try to save the tooth rather than extract


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  • #7
    prettygurrly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 727 ✭✭✭prettygurrly


    you never know how your teeth will be in the future so this tooth you save now may play a vital part in the fullness of your face when you're in your 60s and 70s...


  • #8
    Oral Surgeon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,235 ✭✭✭Oral Surgeon


    splendid101 wrote: »
    Hello Gangsters,

    Let me explain my situation:

    The tooth I am talking about is a molar on the top, on the right, at the very back. It would be second from the back only that one was pulled. If I count my front tooth and work backwards it is tooth number six.

    I had a filling on it and it broke. My mouth became extremely sensitive to cold drinks and it was causing me a lot of pain. I'd be woken up at night with the pain but Panadol, then Nurofen and then Nurofen Plus were enough to deal with the pain and allow me to sleep.

    For a variety of reasons, I put off going to the dentist (foolishly) for about four weeks.

    When I then went he took out the remains of the old filling and put in a temporary one. He said to leave it for four weeks and see if the pain went away. If it went he'd put in a proper filling, if not - a root canal more than likely.

    He also gave me antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

    So, the pain hasn't gone. It stopped the sensitivity to cold drinks but there is still sometimes a pain in what I suppose must be the root - above the tooth itself.

    I grind and clench my teeth in my sleep - a lot. I wonder if this is causing the pain as the grinding has become worse since my trip to the dentist.

    I know this is rather long but I'm trying to make what I'm experiencing as clear as I can.

    Given the position of the tooth is it worth getting a root canal and hoping that it works or should I just pull it the hell out? I don't feel particularly attached to that tooth given all the pain it has caused me.

    I've heard that Root Canals aren't always successful and that the tooth may just die anyway. Or that once the root is canalisised, it will gradually go to sh*t anyway so a canal will just be prolonging the inevitable.

    I just feel that spending €400+ may be unnecessary. I could pay 10% of that and just live without the fecking thing.

    How badly would I miss a tooth in that position?

    Thanks for reading and replying.

    Adios,

    Alan

    Always best to save teeth if you can but it needs to be done correctly to be predictable and worth it. €400 for a upper first molar root canal is pretty cheap so I would have to query if this is being done to the highest standard (with respect...) these teeth can have very tricky canal anatomy and standard fee for an endodontist to do it is 2 to 4 times your fee!! You would also need to factor in the cost of a crown on this tooth to protect the tooth....

    €40 for an extraction is pretty cheap too....!!

    Bottom line:
    Is the tooth restorable???

    If restorable;
    Options are to extract & leave the gap, root canal & crown or extract & replace with an implant ideally

    If unrestorable;
    Options are to extract & leave the gap, root canal & crown is a waste of money in this case or extract & replace with an implant ideally

    The restorability and predictability of a root canal are calculated estimates by the dentist. There are savable teeth, hopeless teeth and a grey area in between...

    Your face won't collapse with one molar extraction, you have enough bone fat and muscle to prevent that... Having a missing tooth however does allow drift tilting and over eruption of other teeth. This can lead to less thsn ideal bites etc.. Loss of all or most back teeth can put greater force on front teeth and lead to wear and fracture...

    Having root canal treatment is not painful in itself. Having the pulp inflammation or apical root infection that necessitated the root canal is painful. Don't confuse the treatment with the disease... Like saying that having a massage is painful, it is if you have severe sunburn....

    Good luck op


  • #9
    splendid101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 655 ✭✭✭splendid101


    Thanks everyone for responding. No pongee gave the answer I wanted which was, "just pull it out, it'll be grand". Oh well.

    I'll go to my dentist tomorrow. If he recommend the canal I guess I'll have to go for it. I suppose it's the wise thing to do. If it ends up costing four figures I won't be able to afford that which may be a problem.

    My figures of €400 and €40 were made up by the way.

    Alan


  • #10
    Oral Surgeon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,235 ✭✭✭Oral Surgeon


    splendid101 wrote: »
    My figures of €400 and €40 were made up by the way.


    That's ok, I made up all my advice too;);)


  • #11
    helimachoptor
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 21,840 Mod ✭✭✭✭helimachoptor


    Oral Surgeon wrote: »
    That's ok, I made up all my advice too;);)

    So... You're not really an Oral Surgeon then :P


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  • #12
    splendid101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 655 ✭✭✭splendid101


    What about these temporary fillings, can they degrade over four weeks to the point that they'd cause pain or allow pain? The tooth doesn't hurt always, usually in the mornings our after eating certain things, such as muesili or Mars Bars.

    Still reaching for excuses to avoid this procedure.


  • #13
    splendid101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 655 ✭✭✭splendid101


    ...also the temp filling is sitting on top of the gum where my back tooth used to be; this is hurting the gum. Maybe all the pain is stemming from that? Perfect!


  • #14
    Oral Surgeon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,235 ✭✭✭Oral Surgeon


    helimachoptor wrote: »
    So... You're not really an Oral Surgeon then :P

    Are you a helimachoptor??


  • #15
    Oral Surgeon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,235 ✭✭✭Oral Surgeon


    splendid101 wrote: »
    What about these temporary fillings, can they degrade over four weeks to the point that they'd cause pain or allow pain? The tooth doesn't hurt always, usually in the mornings our after eating certain things, such as muesili or Mars Bars.

    Still reaching for excuses to avoid this procedure.

    Can they degrade? Yes they are temporary!!
    Is this degradation the cause of the pain? yes and no, a leaking filling can allow pulp/dentine exposure causing pain or infection but it is always the initial decay/fracture of the tooth that is the cause of the pain. As before, don't confuse the treatment with the disease...

    splendid101 wrote: »
    ...also the temp filling is sitting on top of the gum where my back tooth used to be; this is hurting the gum. Maybe all the pain is stemming from that? Perfect!


    No, this is like saying that the plaster cast around my broken leg is rubbing the skin, maybe the cast is the cause of all my pain.....

    Go get your treatment op


  • #16
    helimachoptor
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 21,840 Mod ✭✭✭✭helimachoptor


    Oral Surgeon wrote: »
    Go get your treatment op

    +1, had my own RC done yesterday, took quite a bit of time 3 hours give or take.
    Jaw muscles are a bit sore from keeping my mouth open but no ill effects otherwise.
    Now to get it crowned and not have to worry about it for quite a number of years.


  • #17
    username123
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,484 ✭✭✭username123


    OP I had a root canal on the same tooth - 2nd molar, top row, in January.

    It cost me over 1k in total (55 euro initial regular check up, 150 initial root canal investigation into tooth, 850 root canal with endodontist - 2 sessions of root canalling, 150 filling - 2 more sessions with endodontist because of pain post root canal, 120 A&E fee for sinusitis after some chemicals used in procedure irritated sinus cavity and had me reeling about seasick for days).

    Am I glad I got it done? I was of the opinion that its best to save the tooth, but having had it done I doubt Id go through it again. Besides it being so painful and severely phobic (for me), I basically lost a month of my life because the irritation to my sinuses had me sick for a couple of days after each root canalling session, plus the pain in the mouth etc... I wasnt able to exercise properly for a month, I am still suffering with my sinuses (2 months later), and my root canalled tooth feels 'weird' - no way to explain it, its like its sensitive but not painful sensitive like before, just like something is not right in there.

    Would I do it again? Possibly not. I dont really care about the cost. Aesthetically I wanted to keep the tooth, functionally I wanted it too - but it was a lot to go through physically to keep it so I dont know if Id be able to bring myself to do it again. Hopefully I will never have to.

    I still have to get the tooth crowned so there will be another cost - but I dont mind the crowning as it shouldnt affect my sinuses.

    Theres my original thread on it - I will update it just to finish it off.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056538737


  • #18
    helimachoptor
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 21,840 Mod ✭✭✭✭helimachoptor


    username123 wrote: »
    OP I had a root canal on the same tooth - 2nd molar, top row, in January.

    It cost me over 1k in total (55 euro initial regular check up, 150 initial root canal investigation into tooth, 850 root canal with endodontist - 2 sessions of root canalling, 150 filling - 2 more sessions with endodontist because of pain post root canal, 120 A&E fee for sinusitis after some chemicals used in procedure irritated sinus cavity and had me reeling about seasick for days).

    Am I glad I got it done? I was of the opinion that its best to save the tooth, but having had it done I doubt Id go through it again. Besides it being so painful and severely phobic (for me), I basically lost a month of my life because the irritation to my sinuses had me sick for a couple of days after each root canalling session, plus the pain in the mouth etc... I wasnt able to exercise properly for a month, I am still suffering with my sinuses (2 months later), and my root canalled tooth feels 'weird' - no way to explain it, its like its sensitive but not painful sensitive like before, just like something is not right in there.

    Would I do it again? Possibly not. I dont really care about the cost. Aesthetically I wanted to keep the tooth, functionally I wanted it too - but it was a lot to go through physically to keep it so I dont know if Id be able to bring myself to do it again. Hopefully I will never have to.

    I still have to get the tooth crowned so there will be another cost - but I dont mind the crowning as it shouldnt affect my sinuses.

    Theres my original thread on it - I will update it just to finish it off.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056538737

    You could have got dry socket which in itself is not pleasant and that would have lasted for a few days.

    I've had 2 RCs done by the same specialist and havent had any post procedural pain, discomfort reactions which I suppose I've been lucky with.

    My own view (non dental) is that you should always try to keep your teeth, you'll never know when you'll need them :D


  • #19
    username123
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,484 ✭✭✭username123


    helimachoptor wrote: »
    I've had 2 RCs done by the same specialist and havent had any post procedural pain, discomfort reactions which I suppose I've been lucky with.

    My only post procedural pain was with my sinuses (the nausea and dizziness arent pain exactly but you know what I mean, there was blood coming from my sinus cavity after the last session of root canalling too) and then some gum pain after the final filling. Mostly it was the collapsed filling that caused a lot of pain.

    Although Ive no doubt it sounds funny or overboard to some, I had mental trauma from it, trouble sleeping, raised blood pressure etc... I hate dental work anyway, but for me, root canal was a form a torture.


  • #20
    splendid101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 655 ✭✭✭splendid101


    Jaysis Username123, thanks for posting but I wish I'd never read that!

    Thanks everyone for the replies. In around 24 hours I'll be sitting in the chair!


  • #21
    username123
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,484 ✭✭✭username123


    splendid101 wrote: »
    Jaysis Username123, thanks for posting but I wish I'd never read that!

    Thanks everyone for the replies. In around 24 hours I'll be sitting in the chair!

    Sorry! Just wanted you to be fully informed!! Hopefully it wont be as bad for you. Some people seem to think its a big nothing.


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  • #22
    btkm8unsl0w5r4
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,251 ✭✭✭btkm8unsl0w5r4


    I think your experiences Username123 were far from the usual experience.


  • #23
    username123
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,484 ✭✭✭username123


    Brett Aggressive Baker wrote: »
    I think your experiences Username123 were far from the usual experience.

    Yes, I dont disagree.

    I think the sinus issue is a bit of a red herring, it doesnt happen to everyone.

    I also think my own horror of dentists contributed to it being all the more worse having to go through 3 different sessions of root canalling, my perception of it as torture is more mental torture, I genuinely couldnt feel a thing except a sore jaw and a sense of nausea at the rubber dam taste.

    The collapsed filling was just unlucky.


  • #24
    Inishowen lady
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 72 ✭✭Inishowen lady


    Here's my thoughts

    I got a root canal in January, on a tooth too visible to pull.
    First thing to bear in mind, most root canal's will require a crown fitted as well, so add on another €400-€500 to your bill.

    The procedure itself is not pleasant, but it didn't find too traumatic (this is from someone who almost faints at the thought of a dental check-up).

    I've had no problems since the root canal and wish I had the guts to get it down years ago instead of having the same filling re-filled time and time again. And the crown looks smashing compared to the greying, decaying tooth that was there.

    Having said that, if it was a back tooth and not really visible -I would opt for an extraction.


  • #25
    Zardoz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,539 ✭✭✭Zardoz


    splendid101 wrote: »
    The tooth I am talking about is a molar on the top, on the right, at the very back. It would be second from the back only that one was pulled. If I count my front tooth and work backwards it is tooth number six.

    I had a filling on it and it broke. My mouth became extremely sensitive to cold drinks and it was causing me a lot of pain. I'd be woken up at night with the pain but Panadol, then Nurofen and then Nurofen Plus were enough to deal with the pain and allow me to sleep.

    For a variety of reasons, I put off going to the dentist (foolishly) for about four weeks.

    When I then went he took out the remains of the old filling and put in a temporary one. He said to leave it for four weeks and see if the pain went away. If it went he'd put in a proper filling, if not - a root canal more than likely.

    He also gave me antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

    So, the pain hasn't gone. It stopped the sensitivity to cold drinks but there is still sometimes a pain in what I suppose must be the root - above the tooth itself.

    I grind and clench my teeth in my sleep - a lot. I wonder if this is causing the pain as the grinding has become worse since my trip to the dentist.
    Wow ,thats almost exactly the same symptoms as I had recently.Bizarre

    A piece of an old amalgalm filling on my lower molar ,3rd from back broke off and the tooth became infected.It hadnt been right for a good while before that if I'm honest .

    I grind my teeth in my sleep too and I've noticed that that tooth seems to hit off the tooth above it quite alot ,its like its too long .

    I went to my general dentist and he said he would extract the old filling and put in a temporary dressing to see if it would settle down.He removed the decay but said he could see the root .

    The tooth wasnt too bad for about a week but then the pain was insane .
    I took a course of antibiotics and painkillers and went to a specialist who root treated the tooth.
    He put in some stuff into the canals to help fight the infection and put in a temporary dressing.
    I went back a week later but the tooth was still not right so he took out the old dressing and put more medication into the canals to help it settle down.
    Its better now and I will be going back next week to get the gutta percha put in .

    The procedure itself was fairly painless ,the worst thing is the rubber dam,its a vile thing ,I was coughing alot, I found it very difficult to breath with it on ,it feels like a vice grips on your tooth.

    The tooth still doesnt feel right ,if I push down on it with my finger ,there is slight pressure ,that isnt present in any other tooth.
    I presume that because it was so infected and its only 2 weeks since I had it first treated that it needs time to settle down.
    Hopefully it will get better soon.

    I will get the tooth crowned in a few months as I think a filling may crack.


  • #26
    annieoburns
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 505 ✭✭✭annieoburns


    I had to have a back molar extracted ... it was cracked down into root like a hotcross bun so not a candidate for root filling. It was a difficult extraction and in the process an adjacant tooth was broken. A root canal and crown was recommended for this one. I rechoned final amount would be near to 2ooo euro for this.

    I researched implants and decided to abandon the rootcanal/crown and go for two implants as large gap to be filled. I was already missing 4 teeth that had never been present including three wisdoms.

    Yes losing teeth is bad news in that teeth work in pairs and the twin needs something to chomp against. The bone in the jaw wastes so face will change as teeth removed.


  • #27
    res ipsa
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 692 ✭✭✭res ipsa


    Inishowen lady wrote: »
    Here's my thoughts



    Having said that, if it was a back tooth and not really visible -I would opt for an extraction.

    Yes only visible teeth are worthwhile, the invisible ones are well, invisible:)


  • #28
    btkm8unsl0w5r4
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,251 ✭✭✭btkm8unsl0w5r4


    Back teeth are not extra teeth that can be lost without consiquence. Apart from drifting and tipping of the other teeth and bite dusturbance, there are aesthetic and function problems. The back teeth take load off front teeth and in the end any loss of back teeth apart from wisdom teeth is detramental to your oral health long term. Most peoples first molars are in the smile line, so old fashoned notions of non visable teeth is nonsense unless you like the gapped toothed look.

    My advice is to save any tooth that can be saved and replace those lost as soon as possible, it actually works out cheaper in the long run to replace teeth than not. If you dont have the funds or the inclination to spend funds on your teeth that your choice but its not good advice.


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