Root canal or removal, then false tooth?

Please help


Just been to the dentist on an emergency appointment cos i've got a hole in one of my teeth. The dentist took an xray then told me I had 2 options, Root canal or to have it removed and as it is the only molar on my lower jaw on that side he suggested replacing it with a false one. Which will cost £1800. Which seems very expensive to me or is this the price for 1 False tooth?


He also said that if I had the root canal it would probably need to be removed in a few years time anyway, Is this true?

Root canal or removal, then false tooth?
It sounds like you misunderstood the dentist..





A root canal proceedure removes most of the tooth. They drill-out the roots, effectively removing the cavity which is an infection. Then they leave a small nub of the tooth behind, or cement-in anchor poles to attach a crown to it, which is like a replacement tooth.





I don't know the "going rate" for crowns in England, so I don't know if the quoted price is fair or not, but it probably covers the entire proceedure, including the crown.





I suspect he told you to either get a root canal plus crown, or a filling. A filling is a non-permanent way to "cap" a hole into the tooth. A metal filling can last for like 10 years.





I suspect that if he thinks you need a root canal, he's unsure if a filling will be enough for you. They may be offering it as a way to save money, as it's the second cheapest method. If the cavity isn't entirely cleaned out, it'll start up again, and could become an abcess that causes you further problems.





He could also just yank the tooth and leave the void, which is cheapest but yeah, if it's the only molar you've got left, you'd probably better replace it so you can still chew.





Good luck, and I suggest you follow his advice. If you can afford it, the root canal / crown is the way to go.
Reply:My root filling has lasted 10 years to date so it is probably worth saving. depends again on the cost. It is not a pleasant experience. i always said i would not have it done again but i am sure dentistry has improved over the years. all the best whatever you decide.
Reply:I can't answer u'r question, but I am interested as I had root canal work of a back tooth maybe 10/15 years ago. The guy, who I felt was ever so good, put a nickel cover over it all. However I had to have it removed this Christmas, so it obviously isn't permanent.





Mmmmm





I HATE going to dentists and they are ever so good these days. Silly, init?
Reply:Ask him WHY the tooth would have to be removed even if it is treated with a root canal!!! A tooth successfully treated can last a lifetime!





If you opt for root canal have a porcelain crown put on it to keep it from fracturing afterwards.





If he tells you that removal is required because there is a lot of bone loss around the tooth, then he should not be doing a root canal in the first place.





Implants ARE expensive, but don't let him touch you until he explains WHY a tooth that has just had a root canal would have to be removed in a few years. Sounds very suspicious to me!





I hope you write back. I am very curious to know what his answer is!!!
Reply:If you mean by "false" tooth....a dental implant, then I would say go for it. He is most likely right about the root canal. Please make sure he is qualified to do whatever work is done on you. I worked in a dental lab for many years,I've seen alot...be careful.
Reply:Root canal treatment is where the nerves of the tooth are removed because of excessive decay. It is done because the decay has already entered the nerve canals and is or will cause you pain and problems if left. By having root canal done it will save the tooth but you may opt to have the tooth crowned after 6 months or so as once a root canal treatment is done the tooth can become slightly weaker (BUT not in all cases.) Root canals can be very successful and I know of soe that have lasted 20+ years!


If you have the tooth removed you will obviously left with a gap which will be need to be left to heal in most cases of future treatment. In MOST cases there are several option then available to fill the gap. By the sound of the quote you have been given, you have been offered an implant which is when an artifiial tooth is placed in the mouth by securing it to the bone- this can only be done of you have good oral hygiene and bone levels and it is done by specialists - Hence the price. Another option would be a bridge but as this is the only remaining molar this will probably not be viable. a Denture is another option which should be much cheaper than the implant and is removable - this can replace the other molars in most cases although lower dentures can be very difficult to get used to and alot of people dont want them.
Reply:I had root canal treatment twice and after both times had to have the tooth removed as they had a little tail on the end of them that the dentist said he could not remove