WWYD - crown or extraction?

[PurpleSparkles82]

After some opinions / experience please.
One of my lower back molars has a large inlay filling. It was done back in 2017 by my previous dentist. It’s never felt right and the tooth has always felt ‘weak’ since I had it done. As such I don’t dare eat on that side of my mouth.
I know I really should have gone back and told them it wasn’t right but I lost faith in that particular dentist and found having that procedure done absolutely horrible.
Fast forward to being with a private dentist now. They’ve said in order to have it corrected, they’d need to do a crown.
I’m changing careers soon which involves a long training course followed by lots of travel so want to get it sorted in the next few weeks before I start.

What do I do?

Crown - cost in the region of £700. Dentist said there is always a risk it may not take / pain / infection which may lead to a root canal being done. Crown will last approximately 10 years. (Dentist said she’d prefer to do a crown over an extraction.)

Or do I go for an extraction? It’s second from the back so can’t see it when I smile / speak. I’m so worried that the tooth already feels weak to the point where I don’t eat on it. Is it best just to get rid? Never had dry socket but I’ve read about it on here and that’s also something that makes me nervous.

If you’ve read this far, thank you, HNY and what would you do?

I'd go for the crown. The problem with having a tooth extracted if you're not replacing it with an implant is that you leave the jawbone weaker where it was and you put additional strain on the teeth either side, as well as creating space where the teeth in that jaw can shift out of alignment. I would never choose to have an extraction unless it was essential. Yes they are expensive but IMHO it's a price worth paying.

I’d definitely try the crown. Whilst one gap isn’t the end of the world (I have one as the result of a failed crown), it would only take one more lost tooth in the same vicinity and your face shape could be impacted.

Although my crown did ultimately fail, it lasted a couple of years. In my case the tooth should never have been crowned as there was too little of it left after the root canal.

One of my crowns lasted 30 years all have lasted more than 15.

I'd go for crown and start saving for an implant.

Thank you all. I really appreciate it. x

Crown. Mine are between 42 and 15 years old. Look after them and if they are done well they can last longer than suggested.

plus - presumably you don’t want a gap left? So there would be added expense of whatever option you chose to go for, and something else to go wrong/maintain. A missing tooth can cause other teeth to shift (potentially causing issues) and change the look of your face.

Thank you @Alphabet1spaghetti2
No - even though it wouldn’t be visible, I wouldn’t be thrilled by a gap at the age of 41 and definitely don’t want the shape of my face to change. Just scared of the crown going wrong / pain, etc.

Definitely don't volunteer for extraction, if you can afford it. Much of the crown risk is in your hands via cleaning yourself and hygienist visits. My crown cost half what you quoted, I'm not sure what's different. Mine was on the NHS

It's pricey, but your mouth is where all the food goes in. Losing teeth gradually makes eating harder and less enjoyable, if the quality of your diet declines that impacts your entire physical and mental wellbeing. It deserves all the love and attention you can afford. Probably sounds dramatic, but every bit of decline adds up and most of it goes unnoticed

Crown, definitely.

@spookehtooth and @Velvetbee thank you x

I had that one taken out for the same reason as you and it never caused an issue. Couldn't be doing with any more issues and as it's 2nd from the back, no one sees the gap.

I'd definitely go for the crown.
They have to tell you that it may fail, but I think it's more likely to be ok.
I had a bottom back tooth removed and not replaced and over the years the gap has closed, meaning my front bottom teeth have leaned over slightly.
I also had a crown on my front tooth replaced recently (replaced for cosmetic reasons only) and I'd had it 26 years!

@GlamMa how long was the recovery from the extraction out of interest?

"Crown will last approximately 10 years"

Will it?

How old are you? Have you considered an implant. I spent ££££ on crowns which then required implants for even more £££££ 😭😭😭😭

@PurpleSparkles82 never had any pain from my crowns, other than jaw ache from the anaesthetic injection/keeping my jaw open for longer than normal. Easily managed with tea and paracetamol. (I have 10 crowns). I have had two replaced purely down to my own fault - one I knocked out myself when I fell on my face tripping over a curb, and one I knocked out falling of a stile whilst eating pizza. I had one reglued as I managed to loosen it playing a trombone and falling of a stage simultaneously, the crown survived just need a blob of glue. So non complications were caused by having a crown but by user error/being a twat.
Is it more the fear of the unknown? Not being in control whilst it’s being done? Both of these are understandable- just speak to your dentist and they will be happy to talk you through any concerns. (If they won’t then get another dentist who will listen to you).

Crown for sure

Those who have had a crown - how long did they take to settle / stop feeling sensitive?

48 hours. The time it takes for bruising to go.

Definitely the crown. Mine is 30 years old and rock solid still. Looks a bit rough as the gum receded but no issues.

But having had lots of other dental work in full recommend being conservative and preserving a tooth where possible.

@DeepDarkBlue I’m 41. I wouldn’t rule
out an implant in the future but looking to get this sorted before I start this new job / training course.

Definitely try the crown first. I was urged to go for an extraction instead of a crown but (whispers in case tempts fate) I've had mine for 28yrs now with no problems.

My oldest crown is 42. I had it done for free on the NHS when I was pregnant with my DD.

@Alphabet1spaghetti2 falling off a stile eating pizza?! Impressive. 😁

@PurpleSparkles82 what can I say?! I know how to live? … or it’s different in the deepest countryside where strange things live and go bump in the wood shed…..!

I have finally learnt to fall and roll safely - I think!

I'd have a crown but definitely root canal treatment first. Having one extraction is OK but if you lose another down the line then the gap will be a nuisance.

Crown