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Original poster

so have it out or a root canal - opinions please

18 replies

candyfluff · 23/04/2010 14:07

i have had a sore jaw for 3 weeks now and so i finally went to the dentist today and she took an xray and saw that i have an infection around the base of my back tooth- the only double one ive got left there - she said that the roots look like they are starting to be eaten away
she has given me a 5 day dose of antibiotics and then i have to decide what i want to do next
so to have a root canal with only 60% chance of it working or have it out - the later of which scares the hell out of me as i has a bad experience last year when i had one out .
what would you do ?

OP posts:
Pawslikepaddington · 23/04/2010 14:12

I've just come back from my 4th root canal 3 hours ago! I have a v bad tooth, that went undiagnosed for so long that the root was totally putrified, so am having to go back every month for yet another clean out and re-rooting. Very painful and uncomfortable, but much better IMO than having a huge gaping gap (apparently you cannot get false teeth any more?) Mine had a 10% chance 6 months ago and is still there and strong, so I would say root canal.

AMumInScotland · 23/04/2010 14:19

I would always go with keeping the tooth if there's any chance - no point in losing a tooth which can be salvaged!

Highlander · 23/04/2010 16:55

if you lose the tooth, you also (over time) lose the bone around it. Loss of bone means that the outside tissues sort of collapse into the cavity and you look a bit odd.

Root canal - but get it done by an endodontist. They are specialists.

Pawslikepaddington · 23/04/2010 17:01

Aaah yes, can also second the loss of bone thing. My lower tooth's root putrified from bottom up, and went unnoticed for three years until collapsing (not the one that is getting the work done at the mo). The part of the jaw below it now dips in 1cm from the rest of the jaw line.

beemail · 23/04/2010 17:02

I had root canl last year for first time. Was absolutely dreading it but would have to say didn't feel any pain during or after and I'm so glad I had it done. Added bonus is that I now have much confidence in dentist to do what is necessary in duture without inflicting pain. Good luck

Original poster
candyfluff · 23/04/2010 18:17

see now the difference is root canal is £190 and to have it out is £40
im so scared of dentists and im dreading the thought of both of these things

OP posts:
bellavita · 23/04/2010 18:23

I had root canal treatment on the 24th March - would rather have that than have the tooth taken out.

Original poster
candyfluff · 23/04/2010 18:40

how many times did you have to go back and why cant they do it all in one go ? - she said i would have to go 5 times in total ??

OP posts:
noddyholder · 23/04/2010 18:43

Out!I spent £400 on one and was still in agony and am so scared of the dentist!I went to a new dentist in the end and he sent me to the local hospital to have it out.The dental surgeon there said they are rarely succesful and the relief when it was gone was immense I would never go through that again.

chindita · 23/04/2010 19:45

I had a root canal and had to visit the dentist twice - cost £300 but didn't hurt and I think it's better to try and save the tooth if possible.

thelittlebluepills · 23/04/2010 19:46

OUT OUT OUT

Even a good root canal will have to be redone several times in your lifetime so it's not a one-off cost. If it's not done perfectly the infection can linger on

have it out - I had one out over 15 years ago and have had absolutely no problems since

Original poster
candyfluff · 24/04/2010 11:29

but im crappy myself - i had an awful dry socket last year whebn i had another one out ,the pain was unbelieveable .

OP posts:
MisSalLaneous · 24/04/2010 11:46

I'm terrified of dentists, hate dental work with a passion etc, but I'd still recommend the root canal. To be honest, I don't find a root canal that much more terrifying than a normal fitting, as the worst part is just getting there and the injection etc.

Original poster
candyfluff · 24/04/2010 12:59

the anti biotics im on are making me feel really yucky - bad stomach ache and bad face ache - feeling very sorry for myself,shouldnt of let it get that bad before i got help

OP posts:
Highlander · 25/04/2010 09:07

root canal will take 2 trips to the endodontist and 1 trip to your family dentist

  1. Root canal is flushed with bleach to kill the infection and you get a temporary filling.
  1. Approx 1 week later the filling is removed, the canal flushed again. The roots are filled with plastic rods and melted so that they fill the root cavities. A temporary filling is applied.
  1. Within 10 days, you get a crown on top.

Done properly, it should 'last' 10-15 years. Crowns can need re-fitting.

My dentist said the root canal work is tricky, and should always be done by an endodontist to ensure a good result.

Original poster
candyfluff · 27/04/2010 10:24

has anyone had an infection and it all settled down ? why is the only option to root canal or lose the tooth ?

OP posts:
Original poster
candyfluff · 28/04/2010 12:01

bumping for advice

OP posts:
maxybrown · 28/04/2010 18:11

out, defintely. My dentist said proper root canal should not hurt BUT it will not last and no gurantee it will work. I am petrified of dentist btw - I opted for out having never had a tooth out in my life, bliss now

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