Another tooth query - dentists - can you advise - should I spend a further £100?

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I've had a few problems with my teeth in the last year. I had a wisdom tooth out under gen anaesthetic just before Christmas and I don't fancy another extraction (although I know it won't be nearly as bad) so soon after.

Anyway, I lost half of one of my molars last summer. It began to be aggravating, so I went to the dentist. She filled it and sort of built the tooth back up on one side with filling. This all fell out after about a week. I then went back for root canal treatment. This was fine for about 2 months, then the tooth started to be bothersome again. Not constant pain, but the tooth seems to get easily "disturbed" and I get bouts of pain.

The dentist has now suggested a crown for the tooth. This will cost £100 (can't afford white crowns - £300 each). I've probably already spent about £120 for treatment on this tooth. I don't think my dentist is trying to make money out of me, I think she wants to save the tooth if she can. I'm very happy to spend another £100 if its really going to sort out the problem - the question is - will it?

Any advice gratefully received .

bump

If its a back one and no one can see it I think I would opt for having it out, dh suffered for a long time with his back teeth so i know how painful it must be for you at times, you will be spending £ after £ if you are trying to save it for the sake of vanity....be brave it will be worth it in the long run..no more pain..no-one will know unless you yawn 'very widely'..lol

I am thinking it would be easier to get the tooth pulled, but would quite like the referral to an endotontist - I have an nhs dentist - would she automatically refer me to an endodontist who will do nhs treatment (can't afford private)?

I was referred to the endo and it wasn't available under the NHS as it wasn't considered essential. The NHS would only cover the cost of an extraction. In fact, I had to have him do a specialist root canal treatment at a cost of £750 and still have the pain. I started a thread last night about my pain and am currently considering havng my molar extracted after 9 years of pain.

I've been reading your thread galaxy - £750 - eek! And all this time with the pain .

I'm seeing the dentist tomorrow, I think I'll talk to her about the options. Thanks everyone .