Root canal or extraction?

[WizzyBee]

This is my first post - please be nice!
I have a lower molar which has had quite a bad an infection and just after Xmas I saw my dentist who said I could have root canal work but as there is an infection the tooth would probably fall out after anyway. I agreed to the root canal work but later cancelled as I couldn't really justify spending £600-£700 on a tooth that would probably fall out, that's half my monthly income! I checked, and I can't get it done on the NHS as its a molar. (I have been private for years after really crap treatment with various NHS dentists - long story)

Anyway, its infected again and I have a dental appointment this afternoon but still don't know what to do.

• If I get an extraction it means I will only have 2 teeth behind the canine on that side. An implant would be probably around £1000.
• If I leave it I'll keep getting infections and there are implications with infection in the bone

Do I grit what's left of my teeth and cough up for root canal work knowing its likely to fail?

i had the same and went for extraction. have never regretted it.

I had almost the same scenario. I didn't really want to spent that sort of money but was willing too.

However someone at work had recently been through the same and paid for root canal. About 3 weeks later the tooth ended up coming out anyway. I thought what a waste of money and as it was a tooth right near the back I just had it out. Was only about £250 I think

Go with extraction. I’ve bitter experience of suffering many visits to dentist for root canal work only for the little fucker to need extracting about 6 months later. You’ll forget about the gap remarkably quickly.

This is a few years back but I had to go for extraction as I had no one to watch my baby during treatment and needed it so I could get back to work next day. It was pretty quick (receptionist kindly let me leave 3 month old by her desk but he slept through anyway) and I got temporary denture I was allowed to pay instalments after but not sure if all dentists allow that.

My ex ended up with bone/jaw infection/damage and cannot get implants as a result. He's had no end of trouble and was constantly on painkillers and antibiotics until he recently had all of his bottom teeth taken out and wears a denture as theres nothing to screw implants into.
Don't risk the jawbone infections

Thanks!

The only reason I'm hesitating about extraction is that I don't have any teeth behind it. (Yes, I've got crap teeth despite all the brushing and flossing) I'm not bothered about not being able to chew on that side but it's going to look a bit odd.

I've just had to make this decision myself. I'm resigned to having it out but it's good to hear that none of you seem to regret it.

I had to make this decision at Christmas except mine were 2 together. I went down the root canal treatment and so far so good. All the sensitivity and infection has disappeared I think my decision was made easier by the fact it was 2 teeth together and having already had 3 teeth out in the last 5 years because I was terrified of having a root canal, decided I could not afford to lose another 2!