Root canal VS Extraction on 2nd molar? #1 I believe?

I need to know the benefits and cons of both of these.





An extraction is covered with the dental plan I have for us but a root canal is not. So it will cost $1150 for the root canal unless I shop around but still it's going to be up there. It's for Rox (DH). He has a hole in his far back molar on the right hand side. He went in because it hurts to eat or drink and they told him he needs it done. If he doesn't get it done they said it will need to be extracted but extracting it could cause his face to deform or sink in. He doesn't want and is pretty scared.





They offered him the option of "care credit" but for my ex (who had a similar situation) I applied and I had a 690 credit score and that didn't get approved. Then his mother co-signed and that didn't get approved. So I know care credit is next to impossible to get unless they changed in the past 5 years or so.

Root canal VS Extraction on 2nd molar? #1 I believe?
I've had most of my molars extracted and my face has not sunk or become deformed. I opt for extraction since I have no dental insurance at all and I'm also a dental phobic and I find extractions a much easier procedure to tolerate than having someone drilling into my teeth.





Also, most of the people that I know who have had root canals end up having to have them re-done or have the tooth extracted anyway. It's a big investment to have fail.





That said, do a lot of research on endodontists if you choose the root canal. Make sure you get a good one. You might be able to cut costs by finding a dental school where a student will do the procedure while supervised. Some people swear by them but I don't think I would be comfortable with that option.





The bad side of extractions are possible dry socket, seperation of teeth causing gaps and spaces in front teeth, loss of bone, TMJ and bite problems, more stress placed on remaining teeth making them more vulnerable to decay and breakage and increases chance of further tooth loss.





Good luck whatever decision you make.
Reply:Tia,


I had the same problem, although a root canal is expensive it should save the tooth. However, additional cost that need to be addressed is if you will need to have it crowned after the root canal and if so how much that will cost. Having it extracted is an option however, since there will be a gap where the tooth was, the remaining teeth will start to spread out over a period of time. As for his face being deformed I highly doubt this will occur unless there are several teeth missing. My opinion consult your dentist and ask the pros and cons of each...this will give you expert advice and help you make a sound decision.
Reply:if it isn't the wisdom tooth you are talking about I say try to save it. It is important to try to save all your teeth if you can. Root canals are pricey even when you have coverage, but is better than losing a tooth. I know- I lost one of my molars when I was pregnant with my daughter because everytime I went to have my tooth fixed I kept going into labor in the chair-ha so they wouldn't touch me. Now I am gonna have to eventually get an implant. Now talk about expense.
Reply:A root canal is better than extraction, but you have to consider the financial side of it. Extraction is permanent loss of a tooth, it will never be the same again. If he fears of face deformation, it has a possibility but in some cases it is not so. If your financial capacity will allow, you have to choose root canal instead.

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