tooth has to come out- help!

[HairyToe]

OK I know in the scheme of things this isn't a huge problem but I'm terrified. Wondered if anyone can give me any advice/reassurance.

Went to dentist this mornig with sore molar tooth(crowned). Took xray and she said tooth had in past had root canal treatment and it hadn't worked - there is serious infection. I need to have the tooth extracted. I started to panic and said I'd go away and think about it but she said there was no other option and it wouldn't go away. I have made an appt for 4 o'clock this afternoon but I'm worried.

What if she is wrong? Is there any other option? I'm terrified of the extraction - I've had wisdom tooth out before which was horrible, loads of pain, secondary infections. And I'm ashamed to say I'm more terrified of what it will look like. Will it be really noticeable? I feel sick when I think about it. The tooth is in the middle on the top right.

Sorry for being a wimp - just had a minor panic attack on the phone talking to my Mum about it. So scared of anything to do with teeth!

I've had an extraction and it's over in seconds and hardly noticeable. I would personally get a second opinion next time round as my friend who's a dentist said the tooth probably could have been saved. Is it NHS? THey are always looking for ways to cut corners.

Sorry for the delay in getting back here and thanks GordontG for your response.

Yes it was an NHS dentist but I got a 'phoned' second opinion from another dentist and as it was a failed root canal with a large infection I think it was for the best in the long run.

Had the tooth out on thursday afternoon and the extraction itself was pretty horrible. The crown came off first then I think she had to pull the roots out separately. I rmember when i had my wisdom teeth out there was a palaver - maybe I have stubborn teeth.

I was a complete baby and cried and panicked all the way through. Felt a right berk at the end. hopefully I won't see them again for a while and they'll forget me!

Its healed up really well now though and you can't see the gap at all - although it feels huge from the inside!