Root canal vs pull it out and get an implant.

[Janie]

Mmmmm. It sounds as though the nerve is hyper-sensitive ATM, which is probably due to a crack. Given that you're experiencing hot sensitivity it tells us that the nerve is not happy. If left unresolved the nerve WILL die. I personally am a big believer in sedative dressings, and think that it would be well worth doing in your case. If a sedative dressing doesn't settle the tooth down, then you know you have no other option. But so, so often, if the right material is used, the dressing settles the tooth enough to then have another filling placed. It's helpful if the dentist can work out which cusp is taking the load of the crack, and remove that cusp when placing the dressing. Has your dentist got you to bite on a stick thing, and got you to tell them where exactly it's uncomfortable? It can be very difficult to detect where exactly cracks are positioned, and they are not visible on x-rays.

It sounds like one of those situations where a crown alone (or possibly an overlay filling) would probably fix the problem. However, given that the nerve is so touchy now, no one is going to want to put a crown on in case the nerve gives up the ghost. That's where a dressing can help, to let you know if the nerve is redeemable . TBH, given that this tooth may have some life in it yet, there is no way I'd just be pulling it out. Yes, it's touch and go, but you might even be able to get away without RCT! So exo seems quite extreme.

Yes, you do need a referral for an endodontist, and it should be claimable on your PHI extras (although you might want to check that). Endos are expensive (what isn't?) so I hope you can claim it LOL!

If you are noticing wear on your teeth, you are likely grinding or clenching your teeth. You can talk to your dentist about having a splint made to wear at night to prevent further wear, this is something that is really commonly done.

As for all the first molars breaking down at similar times, that is because they are teeth that we have from when we're 6! So they're expected to last a very long time. If they are all filled at a similar age, chances are they will break down at the same time too. It is so, so common to see this, we get it all the time. Fillings have a finite life, they do not last forever, and if you've gotten this long out of them, they've done pretty well!!! Unfortunately, you are probably right, if you want to save them you could be up for a bit of dental treatment. Again, a splint can help reduce the wear and tear on these teeth.

Those bl00dy dental vans have alot to answer for hey!!!!!!