Extraction vs Root Canal?

So I'm looking for a decent answer here.


So on my last visit to the dentist, he recommended getting my wisdom teeth out. He also noticed that I will need a root canal on one of my tooth as well (last molar beside the wisdom tooth). He recommended that I either get a root canal or have it extracted at the same time as my wisdom tooth. I am looking for some pros vs cons on either or. I want to keep my tooth but at the same time, I HATE GOING to the dentist, cost is a bit of an issue, but not the end of end alls.





Any help would be great thanks

Extraction vs Root Canal?
Well, there are pros and cons to both. If you opt for the extractions then at least it will all be done in one visit. You won't have to come back to get anything done as far as that goes. On the downside, how many teeth do you have? If you have your other molar next to the second molar then you might not care about having them both gone. I guess one of the factors you need to consider is do I want to eat like normal or eat on one side? After you answer that question then I think you can make a decision.


Now as far as the root canal goes...a pro is that you'll have that tooth to eat with. And when you smile people won't see a space there, believe me, you can see a space there! However, you hate going to the dentist. You'll at least have to do the root canal in two visits. Then you'll need to get a crown made. Now what if that crown breaks later on in life? Then you'll have to go back to the dentist. I would opt for a silver or gold crown over a ceramic one b/c the silver/gold crowns last longer and you don't really have to worry about it breaking on you. And cost, well...everything we do at the dentist is expensive. If you're worrying about the cost, shop around. There are good dentists that charge more or less for some of the same procedures and you can still continue normal treatment at your regular dentist. The Root canal, crown, and extraction will definitely cost alot more than the two extractions! I hope this helps!
Reply:if you can, always try and keep your original teeth. getting the root canal now might be more expensive than an extraction, but in the long run, an extraction will become more expensive. also, having a tooth removed will mess up your bite.
Reply:I would add that doing an implant is expensive (probably about $1200 more than the root canal, buildup, and crown) but they last a long time (usually longer than root canal/crown. That is probably a third option.
Reply:Couple of thoughts...first, why did your dentist recommend getting your wisdom teeth out? Are they erupted (you can see them in your mouth)? Are they giving you problems? If they are in your mouth and not giving you any trouble...why would you take them out? There is nothing special about wisdom teeth that makes them "bad". As long as they aren't giving you any trouble and you are keeping them clean, they should be fine. Just something to think about.





Second, the question root canal vs. extraction. Say you were to get your wisdom teeth taken out, and the molar that needs the root canal. What happens to the tooth that opposes that molar? If it no longer bites onto anything, it can start to erupt in your mouth (our teeth always tend to erupt...running into the tooth on the opposite arch is what keeps them in place)...then you might be looking at getting another tooth extracted...it's a slippery slope. Root canals have a very high success rate (you may want to see a specialist for your root canal...molars can be tricky and if you're going to do it, you may as well do it right) and then the tooth will need a crown. It's more time and money, and no one really loves going to the dentist, but at the end of the day....it's your mouth. I can't make the decision for you, but I wanted to add my two cents.