to consider extraction instead of root canal?

[aliceinchunderland1]

I've been told it's not the easier option, but I'm 15 weeks pregnant and don't want xrays or any more anaesthetic than absolutely necessary. I know extraction is painful but can't be any more painful than the current tooth/face ache I have! I've also read so many horror stories on root canals not actually fixing the problem and having to have the tooth extracted at a later date anyway. I have been extremely poorly through the last 10 weeks of this pregnancy I just want some relief and I don't think root canal will offer it

I got talked into an extraction rather than a root canal by a dentist i n this situation. I'd only been to him once before, for a check up, having changed from my previous dentist who I didn't like.

He thought it was going to be an easy extraction and that the tooth would just pop out... It didn't, but he'd started and was damned if he wasn't going to finish. He'd done the usual puff about me being able to stop him at any time if things hurt or I was worried etc by just putting my hand up... I did a couple of times when it was painful and I wanted more injection in (he said it would be completely numb and it wasn't - should have been a warning sign!) and when I put my hand up a third time because I could feel him pressing his instruments he was using to extract the tooth on the next tooth, he didn't stop, he just kept saying he couldn't stop as it was all taking too long as it hadn't come out easily. I tried to talk but obviously couldn't with a mouthful of fingers and gumpf. I tried waving my hands more but he still didn't stop.

Eventually the tooth came out - but not without a massive crack, which turned out to be the tooth next to it, which was fine, but has had massive problems ever since

It also wouldn't stop bleeding which he didn't manage very well. Turned out he had 2 surgery rooms set up - would do one patient, then the other patient would be waiting in the next room ready to go, while the receptionist had settled them in. he left me in the one surgery, struggling with the bleeding that didn't stop, because he was doing the next person's appointment and his worry was more that I wouldn't be out of there in time rather than that I was still bleeding.

I have now found a new dentist who I've been with for a few years and he's fab. Wish I had had him when I had my abscess/extraction before. And he's retiring soon, worrying already about what the new one will be like!

In contrast, have had a couple of root canals, they were pain free and so much easier in comparison.

WHich is all a long way round to warn you that extraction isn't always the easiest route to take!

Ive had several root canals. They’re no bother at all.

I'm in a similar boat as you, dentist gave me a filling about a month ago, which cracked off a piece of the other tooth, had to build up tooth, that tooth broke my upper tooth into bits on Saturday.

When I asked her if, instead of fixing the tooth, we extracted it, she looked at me like I'd gone mad. She said I'd start eating only on the other side of my mouth, which would erode them fast, then I'd start eating at the front of my mouth and that will erode my front teeth.

I'm done now and have, potentially 2 molars that need crowns. All for a filling.

Just had dry socket after extraction - I am still in pain 5 months later. Would suggest root canal is much easier.

If the tooth is at the back I would get it removed; I had root canal treatment at a cost of £££ - it failed - THEN the dentist told me the success rate is less than 50%! He did it again.. it still didn't work.. Eventually I found a lovely new dentist who whipped it out. The extraction was considerably less painful than the 2 x RCT, it was also a lot cheaper. I don't miss the tooth and if I did I would get an implant.

If you won't miss it whip it out. I had a root canal that failed and had to have the tooth out cost a fortune (not to mention all the tablets and general pIn!) then was persuaded to do it again this time I have kept the tooth but it's not been plain sailing it still hurts from time to time.

I've had two root canals that eventually failed. Now I'm getting implants after having to have the teeth extracted. If you only get 5-10 years additional time with the tooth you have to wonder if it's really worth it.

The implants are insanely expensive but I can't go the rest of my life without being able to chew on that side.