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Original poster

Root canal or tooth removal?

36 replies

bambooplant · 12/01/2021 21:53

Hi all, I’d be really grateful for some experience sharing here.

I have a tooth that is massively decayed at the back of my mouth, it was filled in with a temp filling about a year ago. (My parents never took me to the dentist as a child/teen and so I’m in the expensive process now of getting my teeth fixed).

The dentist says that I have two options with this tooth - root canal or tooth removal. My partner has had a root canal and has suggested that it’s so terrible to go through that I should just have the tooth removed.

I am absolutely terrified of the dentist so I am taking this into consideration

Has anyone had a root canal and could please tell me what it was like in terms of pain, recovery etc? And whether anyone has had a back tooth removal and wishes that they could’ve saved the tooth maybe.

Sorry for rambling, any advice would be appreciated. I’m not really bothered either way, tooth removal or root canal but I guess if I can save the tooth with a tooth canal and could tolerate that that would be desirable

OP posts:

Gogglebox20 · 12/01/2021 21:55

I’ve never had a root canal but read and heard so many bad experiences that I would opt for total tooth removal. That’s just my opinion OP!

Lemongrass9 · 12/01/2021 21:58

I had a root canal in August and it really wasn’t that bad. Didn’t hurt having it done and was tender afterwards but not painful.
I was quite nervous and they let me wear my headphones so I just listened to an audiobook.
Worst thing about it was the price.

awishes · 12/01/2021 22:00

It's not terrible by any means but also not a very high success rate so I would weigh up if it will leave a visible gap when you smile give it a try if not I'd have it removed

Yummymummy2020 · 12/01/2021 22:00

I was in the same boat, got the tooth out and haven’t looked back. Tried conscious sedation didn’t work out so had to come back again to try and honestly no sedation was way better. I got numbed and that was it had my wits about me. I’m terrified of the dentist and it wasn’t too bad the second time. Felt gross granted but no pain and was over fast. I didn’t want to chance a root canal after hearing they can be hit or miss and you might need the tooth out anyway!

Fatherbrownsbicycle · 12/01/2021 22:01

I had root canal 3 times on the same tooth to try to save it. Twice was at the dental teaching hospital. It wasn’t painful, just awkward and uncomfortable having my mouth open that long. Ended up losing the tooth anyway as the RC wasn’t successful. I’m not a fan of the dentist either but a dental dam made it easier, it means they can work without you mouth filling up with the spray & having that awful feeling that you can’t swallow or are going to choke. I would ask your dentist if they could use one maybe.
(Handy link so you don’t get lots of sexual info coming up!)
www.hovedentalclinic.co.uk/blog/dental-dams-for-dentists-all-you-need-to-know/

LadyStardust1 · 12/01/2021 22:07

I had a root canal a few years ago after not seeing a dentist for 15 years, mainly out of fear. I had such bad tooth ache one day I went to a dentist and had it done there and then on the spot. I didn't feel a thing, obviously had injections, but after they had worn off I was absolutely fine. They put a temporary cap on it and I could even eat the next day without any problems. Went back three times over a period of a couple of months for checks until all the canals were clear. Now I have a crown on the tooth. I told them I was scared and they said in this day and age no one should ever feel pain at the dentist. I'm now more than happy to go and have work done. My other half has his bad tooth removed and implants, that was more painful.

newmummy8789 · 12/01/2021 22:09

I had one about 18 months ago...didn't feel a thing, have a nice crown on the tooth now, no pain during or after. It was slightly annoying having to keep my mouth open for so long. Put some music on and zone out it will soon be over

Emmab321 · 12/01/2021 22:11

I had a root canal a few months back. I was given the option of an extraction but it felt a bit more extreme to have it pulled . I was dreading it but it really isn’t that bad . It’s pretty uncomfortable having your mouth open for an hour or so but it shouldn’t be painful ! I started to feel a niggle at one point and let my dentist know . He stopped and topped up the anesthetic. I was then numb for about 6 hours and didn’t feel a thing :)

Audreyhelp · 12/01/2021 22:11

Had a few done it’s absolutely fine better than losing a tooth.

LoopyLoux · 12/01/2021 22:12

I had a root canal. It severely weakened the tooth, which is common, and my tooth just crumbled. Ended up needing it removed, such a waste of time and money! I wouldn't have another, I'd opt for extraction if I needed any more.

AppleKatie · 12/01/2021 22:13

Worst thing about it was the price.

This 100%

It was painful some of the time I won’t lie to you but the pain doesn’t last long and I still have the tooth years later! So I would get it done if there is a realistic chance of saving the tooth I think that’s worth it.

MoreLikeThis · 12/01/2021 22:13

You have to trust your dentist really. What does he/she say?

I’ve had root canal in a lot of my teeth and most the time it’s been good and a couple of times it’s been a bit painful. I’ve also had dental implants which were expensive. I like the dental implants as they should last a long time. Is cost a big factor in your decision.

Kettlingur · 12/01/2021 22:14

From what I hear, root canals aren't bad at all these days. They give you enough anaesthesia meds so you should not feel any pain.

CluelessHamster · 12/01/2021 22:16

I had root canal and I'm very afraid of the dentist. Not the pain so much as anxiety around feeling I can't breath or might drown!

I chose root canal as I had a previous extraction and got a dry socket which which hideous plus another extraction would have left me with just the one molar on that side.

It really wasn't as bad as I expected. I did see a hypnotist for a one off session beforehand as I wasn't convinced I could stay calm for the length of time required. I listened to music through headphones the whole way through which the dentist was fine about and they let me hold the suction thing so I could have some control if I felt there was too much saliva going down my throat. This really helped me.

I found it no more painful than a normal filling - the injection was no different. It just takes so long. I was desperate for the loo by the end - if he'd not said he was nearly finished I would have had to request a loo break!

It really was Ok otherwise though and I am glad I still have the tooth.

clary · 12/01/2021 22:20

I'm really not a fan of the dentist but I have had a root canal and it honestly wasn't that bad.

It was years ago too and I still have the tooth so it was well worth it IMHO.

I am in mnlate 50s and my teeth are pretty crappy but I still have them all, apart from wisdom teeth.

Yy agree the worst thing is having to sit with your mouth open. Like the idea of music on headphones tho.

justanotherneighinparadise · 12/01/2021 22:29

I had no pain whatsoever. My advice is to go to a specialist even if you have to pay more.

moomin11 · 12/01/2021 22:30

I've had both, back tooth had a large filling that came out and when it was re-done I was in so much pain. Had it re-done twice and it was no better so I just said take it out. I was desperate at that point, it was a pretty quick but a bit gruesome procedure (never had an extraction before). Had a root canal on a tooth at the side so extraction wasn't really an option and it wasn't too bad. Took ages but the dentist was lovely and gave me little breaks and checked I was OK. Recovery was easier than with the extraction.

EmmaGrundyForPM · 12/01/2021 22:37

I had a root canal a couple of years ago to try to save my tooth. Unfortunately it only lasted a year before the tooth split and I had to have it extracted. I don't regret trying the root canal first, though, as it was worth a shot.

It was uncomfortable keeping my mouth open for so long but not unbearable. The roots were twisted and difficult to do but the dentist was good. I opted to have it done without anaesthetic as I hate the numbness. I didn't think about asking if I could listen to an audio book- that would have made the time go faster.

Youarewithme · 12/01/2021 22:44

If you're a nervous patient root canals are the WORST. You have the big injection and you have to keep your mouth open for ages, I clamped my mouth shut at one point with tears rolling down the sides but as soon as it was over I just skipped out as I always do. It's horrible hearing it and seeing it but it doesn't hurt if done properly. I cried out a couple of times and my dentist stopped and asked if it hurt (he knew it didn't, he gives me max pain relief because he knows what I'm like) and I had to admit it didn't but I hated the sound. My dentist said he would take it out but that I couldn't just have every tooth that needs a filling/ root canal out, it'd destroy my face.

fizzyp0p · 12/01/2021 22:48

If it's really badly decayed and right at the back I'd have it out. My dentist gave me both options but was also upfront that it may not be successful and need to be removed anyway (costly!) so I said ok pull it out. Right decision for me. In and out in about 10 mins job done

Torvean32 · 12/01/2021 22:55

I've had about 4 root canals. If you have a good dentist the option should always be to save a tooth.

After you get the root block injection, that should be the worse thing. The procedure does take a while.

A good dentist will say to raise your hand if you're feeling pain, or need a break. You are allowed more pain relief if needed.
The dental nurse may talk to distract you.
Some surgeries play music. Others have things on the roof that you can look at.

The worse bit is keeping your mouth open so long. So the next day I needed painkillers for my jaw not my tooth.

Honestly get it done. Tell the dentist how anxious you are. They're very used to anxious patients.

One day you'll look back and think it wasn't that bad at all.

nobabiesyet2 · 12/01/2021 23:14

Hi! Sorry you’re having issues with your tooth!
My dentist warned me about decay on a tooth, I ignored him, a year later I needed root canal. Will never ignore that man again.
Anyway, I didn’t want to go to his specialist colleague to do it because i didn’t have £750 to spend. Instead, I went to a local NHS dentist who was so lovely and the procedure was so easy (just long) with no pain.
Sadly, six months later that tooth was leaving me in such agonising pain... went back to my guy who said that it was done so poorly that it had failed... he then offered a referral to his mate again... the specialist went ahead and did it and again no pain just long but this time it was successful. (but VERY expensive)
I’ve had teeth out before and it was absolutely horrendous and my healing time was triple expected and lots of infection.
everyone is different, i would go for root canal and if you can’t stretch to a specialist find someone on the NHS with great reviews! good luck, i promise root canal is no where near as painful as they say.

candle18 · 12/01/2021 23:27

I had one today. Worst bit was the freeze which wasn’t too bad. After that there was no pain, it was just a bit uncomfortable lying in one position and keeping my mouth open for so long. It took about 1.5 hrs and I have to go back for a second part in a few weeks.

earsup · 12/01/2021 23:34

I have had several root canals....no problems or pain at all.....also now have large back molar that has been filled about 5 times...i know it needs to come out but putting it off....!....i use salt rinse each day to prevent any bacteria issues with it....i was due for a trip to turkey to get all work done over there but obvs now all cancelled....also as menioned, cost can be very high for root canal and if it fails then they extract later...i would try to save it first if you have the funds .

Original poster

bambooplant · 13/01/2021 08:54

Thank you so much for the advice everyone you have all been so helpful

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