Tooth 3 Removal

[blo688]

Hello,

I just returned from the dentist and they advised me to either have my tooth # 3 extracted or get a root canal. I do not want the root canal because I am afraid of the pain and I do not want to deal with flossing the crown everyday. I feel getting the canal and crown will lead to more problems for me in the future, I can say I will floss everyday but I know I wont.

So I want to know if there are any major problems with me getting tooth #3 extracted other than my loss in bite and the risk of sinus problems mentioned from my dentist. All my teeth wont become gaped? Or my Facial construction will not change? Just trying to figure out if there is anything I am not thinking about before I opt for the extraction.

Thank you,

[StratRebel]

"I am curious tho, why is their not a procedure that involves killing the nerve then filling the cavity? That solution seems practical and cheap. "

That is the definition of a root canal.  You remove the nerve, clean out the bacteria, and fill it up.  However, the process usually takes 1-2 hours and the equipment is not cheap.

Now, if you are talking about just leaving behind dead tissue, it would rot and eventually cause a major infection, so not really an option.  Think gangrene.

[blo688]

Thank you both for the information, it may be disappointing to hear but I've opted for the extraction. I've already shifted all my chewing to the left side of my mouth and have determined I can live like this. I do wish there was a cheaper way to save my molar but I unfortunately cannot afford the root canal. The fear of pain has not influenced my decision at all, I have been poking my nerve with a tooth pick every day and I'm sure you know that hurts. I am curious tho, why is their not a procedure that involves killing the nerve then filling the cavity? That solution seems practical and cheap.

Thank you for all of your input!

[StratRebel]

Teeth tend to shift forward, not back, so losing a posterior tooth will not affect the look of your smile.  The main issue you will have with removing #3 is your chewing ability, your first molars (#3, 14, 19, 30) service the largest portion of your ability to chew, about 80%.

With flossing, you should be doing it for every tooth, it is only slightly more important to floss a crown than any other tooth.  A well-designed crown will contact your teeth just like any other, and should not pack anymore food than your natural teeth.   I would not factor that in your decision.

A root canal is not the painful procedure most people think it is, and is usually MUCH less traumatic than an extraction.  The pain people tend to associate with root canals is the pain they are in BEFORE the root canal is done, not during or after.

Please do not let fear influence your health decision, typically that only leads to more problems and regret.  You will need to be numb either way, which takes the same injection.

I advise anyone to try as best possible to save first molars, they are the cornerstone of your mouth and bite.

[scottma]

If the tooth is restorable and financially affordable, root canal treament + crown can service many years, sometines decades, depending on maintenance.Post-op pain associated with root canal treatment is generally minimal and easily managed by pain killer.Lossof molar may cause teeth shift, not always.Extraction of molar generally won't change facial profile.