Tooth extraction- Dental advice please

[OutofDepth1000]

I am looking for some honest advice regarding my situation. I feel that I’m not getting a straight answer from my dentist who seems to only be interested in cosmetic routes.

I have a root canal treatment that has gone wrong. I saw a private dentist (can’t be fixed on the NHS) and I’ve been quoted £1000 to fix the tooth plus the cost of the crown (another £300-500). This is well beyond my budget. However I’ve been told it is very important to try to keep the tooth. The consultant dentist says that there is a reduced risk of success, 75% or so but I should try to keep the tooth. It is the tooth second from the back on my lower jaw (right). I’ve already had the same tooth on the left extracted (about 10 years ago).

I really would prefer to get it extracted as the cost of it is really causing me a lot of worry, however will I regret this later? Is it essential to try and keep the tooth? It’s beginning to get me down a bit so if there’s anyone who knows about this kind of thing, I’d be really grateful if you could offer some advice.

I had the exact same problem

After many sleepless nights I had an extraction 2 years ago

No dramas and I don’t miss the tooth . Loads of people had the same as us and also had extraction

I would have the extraction.

I had dental work to try and save my front teeth after an accident. It was not cheap. A year later I had to have them out and now have front dentures which I was gutted about. Used to it now though, but feel the money i spent trying to save them was a waste.

l had a root canal a few months ago on a back tooth that had had a filling in it for over 30 years, and had developed an abscess. Before my appointment to have it crowned, the tooth broke. So l had to have a temporary filling put on it by an emergency dentist.
When l went back to see my (NHS) dentist, she said there wasn't enough of the tooth left to salvage it, so l'd need it extracted. l don't know if it's because she's newly qualified, but l was told l'd have to be referred elsewhere to have it taken out.
l went on Friday for the extraction. The dentist l saw was a Specialist Oral Surgeon. He was a big man, and l suspect that may be the reason why l was sent to him. l have my dad's teeth - they're very small and neat, but unfortunately they have hooked roots and they take some shifting! Anyway, it's out. And an unexpected bonus - because l was referred, l didn't have to pay for it. l checked twice with the receptionist, and she said "it's like being referred to hospital."
Like the OP, l'm also missing the same tooth on the other side, and l can't say l've missed it in 20 years!
l think if you have an endless pot of money, it's worth trying to salvage teeth. But l didn't, and l suspect a lot of people don't. Especially if you're not with an NHS dentist.

Same tooth here. My very honest nhs dentist told me the tooth was fucked and needs to come out. It's out and the works didn't end.

Thank you, my dentist has led me to believe an extraction is a terrible option and will change the structure of my jaw, may lead to sinus issues and could wreck other teeth. I wish I could find a dentist who was interested in patient care over making as much money as possible ☹️

I had a tooth extracted a few years ago having had root canal on it twice. Lots of pain and issues in between the root canals. I saw a different dentist the 3rd time and he recommended extraction straight away, he said they do always aim to save the tooth but if he’d seen my x-rays the first time he would have gone for extraction then.
Once it was removed I’ve had no problems since, I used to get a lot of ear pain on that side but I think it was actually jaw pain radiating as it went when the tooth did.

Whereabouts are you OP ? Maybe someone can recommend a dentist .

There are lovely dentists out there .

My teeth that have fillings in from many years ago have started to get a bit dodgy. My upper back tooth in particular was a problem and the dentist said I could have root canal or extraction. I was very much against extraction but not too sure about root canal. I have a real dentist phobia!
Although she's NHS, she also does private. I said I would pay whatever it took, but she advised extraction as apparently the root is very long and twisted so she couldn't be sure that root canal would be successful.
I eventually had it removed. I've not regretted it at all, and if the back tooth on the other side does the same, I'd just have it whipped out now. Your dentist is right, by extracting a tooth other teeth may move around as they have more space. But they may not. Mine haven't.

I'm another one missing that same tooth on both sides of my lower jaw - both after failed root canals. Mine have been gone for about ten years, and my other teeth have not moved (I always ask when I go for a checkup!).