Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction of molar 15

[sabrinaw2005]

I need molar 15 either removed or a root canal on it. The problem with a root canal is of course the expenses. The tooth has already had 3 fillings anyway. I don't know that it would hold up to a crown in the first place. I also have the early stages of paradontal disease. I am not sure if that makes the root canal any less expensive or not. I am so confused right now as to what to do. The tooth is not in constant pain but every six months it starts to get painful again.

[sb129]

1. Can you see where the space will be if you smile?

 

2. If yes, can you cope with that? You can't put the tooth back once its gone.

 

I think the numbering system in the US is different from the FDI notation I use, but it sounds like its the very back molar on the top right.

 

Up to you whether you have root canal (RCT) or not- you still need the tooth to chew on, and there is no point having a crown before you have RCT Once you have HAD RCT though, you will most definitely need a crown esp if it has had three fillings, as the tooth will be much more brittle and prone to fracturing following RCT.

 

(Don't worry about whether a crown can be done- they can still be done when there is hardly any tooth left.)

 

So you need to factor in the cost of the RCT + the crown for long term success.

 

If it was your first molar, I would say yes, definitely get it done. For the very back one its more debatable- I myself have had this same tooth removed following a failed RCT and I don't miss it- and I am a dentist.