Stuck on tough tooth decision when both are expensive. What would you do?

[Oucht]

I only have 8 teeth on the top and 8 on the bottom (long story, failed by NHS nerve damage causing neurological pain in teeth), I eat with my premolars. Top right is undergoing a crown currently.
Top left is failing and my options are root canal and crown which would cost £2k+ but it might not work.

I could have an extraction leaving me not able to eat unless I get a top partial denture but that would cost £1.5k to £2k. I am allergic to metal so it would have to be acrylic and with no back teeth to hold it, I would have to use something like fixdent. I am only 41.

I don't know which to choose. I simply don't have £2k+ to try a root canal and crown to then have to go to a denture as I'm over the £4k mark by then.

Which would you choose?

An implant might cost the same, surely? x

I would go for the one that is least likely to fail, so the denture.

Valplast flexible denture might be your answer.
https://www.valplast.info/Patient_Information.htm

Much more comfy than standard ones, and a lot less to go wrong! I had one for years (mine was partial and I lost it or I'd still be wearing it)

It’s £6k for an implant. I’m not a great candidate as I have a nerve condition that affects my jaw and teeth.

I asked him about these and he said he’s only ever had 2 patients have them so he couldn’t recommend them without the experience of them.

I was quite surprised but he is a dental surgeon who specialises in implants but he knows that’s not an option for me. Let alone needing about 16 of them to fill my mouth up again!

I was told a root canal might not work but I decided to go ahead and I had a porcelain crown. Mine worked really well and when I went back for my next check up I commented on being glad I had got it done especially as I was told it may not work and was told they have to tell you that just in case it doesn't work. My sister was told the same and hers worked too.

Thank you. That makes me feel a bit better about trying it out. I only ever had stage 1 of a root canal done by my last dentist who was a youngish NHS regular dentist and not an endodontist and its caused me a whole world of pain. That along with a botched extraction.. then another 11 extractions has caused me neurological pain in my teeth which makes this even harder as we have to distinguish between a real tooth problem or my nerves firing for no reason.

This one we think is a real tooth problem.

My root canal with crown failed at the end of 2024 - I only got around 6 years out of it but some peoples last for decades.

I had a root canal with crown 14 years ago by a very very good specialist. Still ok. The NHS dentist tried to do it but they were not a specialist so rightly referred me to one. I had to pay £1000 at the time but it's lasted so it was worth it to save my tooth. If you go for this option make sure it's done by someone who knows what they're doing.

I know my dentist won’t do it himself and he’s a damn good dentist. They have an endodontist come in who is usually based is hospital. I know their name so def worth me having a look and checking that out.

I was also told root canal and crown might not work, I had root canal and then a porcelain crown done 15 years ago and no issues

I’d probably go for the denture.
I’ve got quite a bit of dental problems and seem to have spent a fortune on trying different options. I’m now of the mindset that from now on I’ll go for the one most likely to be successful even if it’s not my preference.

A specialist in this area is worth an opinion. I have been a similar dental journey.
Had a root canal and crown done under similar circumstances in 2005. It is still going strong!!!
At least see them and get their opinion - they can work wonders now with all of their tech and innovations.