Root canal vs pull it out and get an implant.

[~Raven~]

I've got toothie issues and will need a root canal to be rid of this agonising sensitivity I have going on

After hearing how folk go through a root canal only to need it pulled out anyway I'm thinking I should save up a bit more and get the tooth pulled and get an implant instead. I'm vain about teeth and not keen on having a gap

Or is that just crazy thinking?

I have to add that going to the dentist makes me almost vomit with fear.

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Err I'd go with get it pulled. I was about to mention the friend with the root canal. 12 months later she has had to have it pulled anyway.

Good luck with your decision!

[Devon]

Hmmmm. I'd be really hesitant to give up a tooth before I'd given it every chance to save it. My mum had an implant done and as well as being horrendously expensive, I think it was not a pleasant thing to go through.

But a difficult decision if you really, really hate the dentist.

Can they sedate you really heavily for the root canal?

Best of luck with making your decision.

[foreva*your*mummy]

Bit of background went to the dentist for a sore tooth, I had NEVER had any fillings or anything so didnt know what it felt like to have a hole. They found nothing. 2 years later it started playing up again and I went back. The dentist told me that I would need a root canal so I questiond it and they said yes they had missed the hole 2 years ago!!! ****ers. So they paid for me to have to root canal done. I was FREAKING out but it wasnt as bad as I imagined. The problem I have now is she told me that because I have short roots then it may only last 2 years!!. Its been longer than that but I have had problems with it.
After all of that rant I personally would have it pulled and get a fake one. What is the price difference? I know that they are both really expensive, But i am vain too and wouldnt want a hole

[Janie]

S, can I suggest going to see an endodontist, at least for their opinion? They will be able to give you a fairly accurate prediction of success, and if they do the treatment, they will do a really good job!

I totally understand where you're coming from, but you need to talk to your dentist (or a specialist) about YOUR particular tooth. They are all so individual. Sure, some RCTs fail, some quickly, but more often years down the track. If the tooth is a good candidate for RCT, and the treatment is done well, then the tooth *should* last you for some years yet. I can tell you that over the years I've seen many more RC treated teeth last the distance than not . The ones that don't hang in there are few and far between.

Exo and implant is certainly a viable option (and often an excellent one), but very exxy (which I'm sure you know) and is invasive and non-reversible. Personally, I would want to be very sure that my tooth wasn't going to last long before heading down that road.

Can you tell me which tooth it is that's giving you trouble? Oh, and has anyone mentioned the likelihood of this tooth needing a crown after the RCT?

[Liz]

I've had 2 successful root canal's done. I haven't gone back for the crowns, just got ugly grey fillings LOL.. but they're at the back and not visible

I've been convinced as well to try and save my teeth for as long as possible before pulling them out.

[briggsy's girl]

yeah, what janie said!

i've had root canal on a front tooth - the only reason it "failed" was due to an undiagnosed cyst above the tooth (which is what killed it in the first place) that required surgery. normal dentist wasn't able to find it in normal xray in his rooms or on one of the full jaw xrays - ended up needing a CT scan to show it up. it had eaten about a third of my cheek bone apparently so was nasty. even without the final filling being done just yet (pregnancy and severe morning sickness made it impossible to do that final stage) they have saved my tooth and even the temp filling for over 12 months has given me no grief. am planning on getting it done properly soon now that E travels ok as i go to an endodontist in Dandenong.

i'd see an endodontist and get an honest opinion about whether they think the tooth is salvagable - much better to keep your own teeth if you can!


ooh, and many of them will sedate you if needed to get you through the treatment. i have anxiety issues and panic attacks sometimes while on the chair - the one i have been seeing has been fantastic and taken extra time to allow me to calm myself down rather than forcing me to "suck it up" kwim?