root canal or tooth out

[x5x3]

After many years and many fillings it seems one of my teeth is at the stage where it is root canal and crown or remove it.

The price difference is, er, massive to say the least.

I'm veering towards just having it taken out and be done with it.

Anyone else been through similar or know the pros and cons of each?

Thanks in advance!

[Animal]

I have. My dentist's advice was that because there was still enough good tooth left I should try the root canal to save me having a gap. I've now got a crown fitted and it's better than it was before - I can actually chew on both sides!

However, it was expensive £400-500.

[Mr Gearchange]

Root canal and crown.
You really want to try and retain as many of your teeth as possible - and putting an implant in will be 4X the cost of a root and crown.

Plus having a tooth out isn't nice. I had one out a while back (no other choice)and despite being really careful I lost the blood clot in the socket, which exposed the jaw bone and which hurt like fk for about 3 weeks.

[David87]

Have the RCT and crown. You'll only get tired of having a gap and end up having to fill the gap by some other - far more expensive - means at a later date.

[x5x3]

thanks for the replies all - everyone seems to be in agreement - very rare for pistonheads

[bebee]

I had the first part of the RC on Thursday, I didn't look forward to it but it was painless, I now have to wait a month to see if the antibiotic works, they are optimistic it will work, total cost will be £120. I certainly don't want it pulled, I had a molar pulled 20 years ago, it took years for the gum to close up and it still hurts if caught by crisps etc.

Edited by bebee on Tuesday 20th March 21:23

[UncleRic]

Op, out of interest, which tooth is it?

[x5x3]

UncleRic said:

Op, out of interest, which tooth is it?

having just had a google and found a diagram, I think it is the lower right first molar?

[Cupramax]

Root canal and crown definitely, I've had two done now over the past couple of years and although they feel a little strange its much better than either having extractions or the resulting hole.