Root Canal Vs. Extraction

Hi,
I am sorry I didnt get back to you yesterday, but I went through the exact same thing a few months ago. I had a root canal done, and withing 48hrs, was in more pain than I thought was normal. I had to go out of town for a family reunion, so my dentist called me in an antibiotic and pain meds. When I got back I went in to the doc and it was still infected, and he had "missed a canal". He had to re-do the root canal, but after the second one, and second round of antibiotics, it is fixed. I ALMOST just had it pulled, but I am glad now that I didnt, because it is a fairly visable tooth. I do have pretty severe dental anxiety now though. My dentist said it should get better in time as long as I dont have to have any more major work.
Good Luck!!

it's better tp just have it extracted. Dentists are the only doctors that keep dead tissue in the body and dead tissue will always have infection in it, no matter what. the infection may appear to be gone by all practical appearances, but in reality it will still be in the dead tooth. This can cause health issues later on in life.

Hi MK,

I hate the dentist! I have had so much dental work done, un fact, I have 5 crowns am waiting to get my 6th I have 1 bridge and I think 5 root canals. Anyway it's too much to remember...but having had a tooth pulled (only becasue it broke below my gum line before I could get my root canal and crown)I would say get another root canal. Havinga tooth pulled was horrible!!! I was laid up for 4 days on the couch with ice on my face, a TON of pain pills, unable to eat anthing that involved chewing, and I was out of work for those 4 days as well. Try the root canal again would be my best advice! I hope this helps adn good luck.

Hi MK,
Do the root canal again. It only means they didn't get all of the nerve out the first time, that does happen occasionally, and what was left of the nerve then got infected. It is always better to safe a tooth if you can. Any kind of replacement is not as good as your actual tooth because of the root system that holds your teeth in place. They do have replacement teeth that literally screw into you jaw bone that are secure but if you can keep your own tooth why go through that, a root canal is much less invasive. Do the root canal, stay on the antibiotics as long as they tell you too, assuming your on antibiotics.
Good luck,
SarahMM

My husband is a dentist and I work for an Endodontist. You definitely need to try to save the tooth. If you extract it you will have to either get a bridge or implant. If you choose a bridge, you will have to grind down two more teeth to seat the bridge. If you opt for an implant, they are very costly, plus you have to pay for a more expensive crown, and it takes 4 to 6 months for the implant to heal before they can seat the crown. Endodontists are great at retreating failed root canals. It is probably as simple as locating a canal that was missed by your dentist. They will tell you up front if that tooth has a good chance to be saved. You will be amazed at how painless the procedure is, and how fast they work.

Hi M K ~

This decision is kinda tough because I think everyone's dental experiences and issues (including finances) are different. I also suggest you write down the "pros" vs. "cons" and go on your own inspiration after considering all the facts. However, that being said...
I am currently going through this SAME problem ~ thanks for bringing it up! I have had SO many root canals that I could probably count on 1 hand the teeth that HAVEN'T had one! I'm actually surprised that I haven't had more root canal failures considering how many I've had! =)
OK, so right now I'm taking antibiotics and awaiting my first time doing a 2nd root canal (scheduled Monday morning). I'm VERY nervous because it's on my very FRONT tooth on the top (I wouldn't be that nervous if it were a back tooth).
I have experienced tooth loss (molar in the back) because of severe infection (it spread into my jawbone and was extremely painful so it HAD to be extracted). I had a bridge put in that space many years later (because we couldn't afford an implant). My tooth behind that space had shifted so severely over the years that it was crucial that something be done before I lost that tooth, too (it started shifting sideways).
At any rate, I highly suggest you do the 2nd root canal and give it a chance ~ try to keep the tooth!
If you decide to go ahead with the 2nd root canal ~ I hope it works this time! You are very brave to do either one!
Best wishes to you on whatever decision you make and please let us know what happens. I fully support you! Just know you are NOT alone in this!
I'm "ROOTING" for you!!! =)

Luv ~ S. M. =)

(P.S. Pun intended!)

Looks like from all the previous answers that I am going to agree with almost everyone else and tell you to get the root canal again. I had the same thing happen to me - the 2nd root canal took just fine although I did have a reaction to it which was very painful and needed antibiotics to clear it up, the problem for me was that the antibiotics took a while to start working and I was in pain for a few days. You might want to ask your Dr. to start you on antibiotics prior to having the 2nd root canal just to be safe. I think any dentist or endodontist will agree that it's always better to save the tooth.

Good luck!

I would recommend that you do some homework and get a really good dentist. I have had trouble with one tooth for about 8 years, started with a small cavity and ended up root canalled twice and still bothered me. Finally, I went to a decent dentist who replaced the crown and the tooth has disappeared in my mouth. I would recommend the dentist that I went to, but he has a closed practice.

You are right that you will be out alot of money if the 2nd root canal doesn't work...BUT that is all the more reason to make sure that it does. You really don't want to be without a tooth for the rest of your life and replacement of that tooth would definately be much more expensive than the 2nd root canal.

Kindest Regards,
TRUDI

I don't like pain. When I was faced with a similiar experience, I had the tooth pulled. It was in the back so it doesn't really show all that much. My son also had to have a tooth pulled. I think it's better than a root canal. There's less recovery time and everything. Good luck and I hope your mouth feels better. I didn't need a bridge. So that helped.

Unfortunately, I have had several root canals so I know a little bit about which I speak. This is however, just my opinion since I am not a dentist! It is always a bad idea to extract teeth. It allows the rest of your teeth to shift around and will destroy the shape of your mouth. If it were me, I would get another root canal. I have also had one that failed, it does happen, and the second time was a charm. I loved my endodontist, Dr. Chris Hahn, off of Hampden and Tamarac (by Whole Foods). He was extremely professional and did a great job on the root canal that was botched the first time. I would highly recommend him. Good luck!

I had a root canal on one tooth. It failed. I had a second root canal on the same tooth. It was successful. I was able to keep my natural tooth for an additional five years or so, but then the root split and I had to have the tooth extracted. I now have an implant.

The best is to keep your natural tooth, if you can. There is no guarantee that the second root canal will fail and that you will have to have the tooth extracted. There is also no guarantee that your second root canal will be successful. Your endodontist is probably your best source of advice on this.

You may be able to keep your natural tooth for a long time if you have the second root canal. If so, that is the best option. Nevertheless, an implant is good, but expensive, if you need to have your tooth extracted. Plan on $2,000 to $4,000 for your implant, most of which will NOT be covered by insurance. Other solutions, such as going without anything or bridges, are not satisfactory.

Good luck.

I would have the root canal with the Endodontist. I had a root canal on one of my teeth in the back and after so many years I got an infection and went to the dentist. He looked at it and referred me to an Endodontist. I had it fixed and I haven't had any problems with it since then. It really doesn't hurt but I would rather do that then have a tooth missing. Good luck on your decision.

Hello,

You do not want to lose a tooth, any tooth. There are so many problems that come with extraction. Root canal therapy and crowns can be very expensive, but in the long run, if done correctly, can be very beneficial. An endodontist is your best bet for effective root canal therapy. If there is a chance to save the tooth, do it. Good luck.

It is usually best to save your tooth. Also only let an endodontist do a root canal on your tooth. Most of them now work with microscopes so they can see and do a really good job. If you choose to extract the tooth then you are looking at a bridge or an implant. I have worked in the field for about 12 years before I became a SAHM. Most of my experience is in pediatrics, but I did spend some time working with an endodontist. I would say save the tooth. Good luck-I am sorry the 1st one failed. Did a dentist do it or an endodontist?

I use to work in the dental field. I would talk to your dentist about extracting the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant. It's going to be more expensive in the beginning than a root canal, but cheaper in the long run if you did get another root canal and it failed again. Implants will last you forever. Hope this helps!

Hi

I have three teeth that have had two or three endodontic (that's the name of your specialist) root canals.
this is the deal in a nut shell, Teeth are non replaceable at this point. If they can be saved, they should be, because every extraction damages the jaw it is removed from and creates bone loss for the future. I have had two extracted, and am fifty, I have some nasty craters where those teeth were removed when I was 30. I had no choice, you do. You will need those facial bones for a long time to come> saving the tooth now is worth it

PS You should never have a tooth extracted until the infection is cleared up. You run the risk of menigitis and encephalitis, both of which can be permanently disabling or deadly. BE careful and get the infection under control with antibiotics first!!

It just depends on the entire circumstances...
If you redo the root canal, what kind of bone structure do you have around the tooth, if it is good I would probably try to save the tooth. And does the tooth already have a crown on it, it probably should depending on how long ago you orginally had the root canal, is there any decay in the crown or around the crown, will you also need to have to redo the orginal crown?
If you elect to have the tooth extracted, your options of leaving the space open the tooth on either side can float into that spot and cause problems with your bite, or the tooth opposing it to super erupt. When a tooth super erupts you can lose the bone density around it and possibly lose that tooth as well.
If you get a bridge you have to have crown put on either tooth on either side of the space (appx $3000) and you'll probably have to have it redone in 15years(appx) plus possibly put crown on two teeth that don't need crowns.
Implant is nice it fills the space, keeps the other teeth from floating into the spot, or the tooth above it or below it from super erupting into the empty spot. But costly and hopefully you have enough bone density for it to take..
You need a long consult with you dentist and endodontist
UGH Teeth! Good luck

ask questions, questions, questions of the specialist.
I had a root canal "go bad." The "2nd root canal" is actually called an aepocal (sp?) and they have a succes rate of typically less than 70% (versus 95+% for root canals). I had 2 aepocals and then finally had the tooth removed. If I knew then what I know now, the tooth would have been removed at the first infection (about 8 years after the original root canal). I was on 7-8 courses of heavy duty antibiotics over the 18 months this went on between the first aepocal and the tooth extraction, which really messed with my overall well-being and moods. The tooth extraction itself went very, very smoothly, althought the dentist was very worried because of all the previous work. BUT, the implant was more complicated because of all the previous work, scar tissue, loss of bone, etc due to the 2 aepocals. I was in so much pain w/the first aepocal that I really couldn't ask questions and so didn't know that it's not a very successful procedure. anyway, ask the specialist what he expects to happen, what he thinks the chances of success are, and how a failed procedure is going to affect your decisions for replacing the tooth (i.e., bridge or implant). And, I hate to say this, but you've got to think of the $$. Typically aepocals are paid for by insurance as are extractions. However, many insurance companies don't pay for implants (you're looking at about $2500 for implant plus 700 for the crown, which may be covered) while they will pay at least part for bridges (also about $3000). In general, an implant is better for your long term health w/regards to the bone in your jaw but it carries more risk up front. Good luck!

I had a friend who had this happen (after 2 failed root canals by her dentist) and then she was referred to an Endodontist. He found out that the roots curved at the very bottom and so the infection was never completely cleared out by the dentist and so it came back. After one trip to the Endodontist, everything was fine. I say try to save your teeth. I have a a bridge and I have friends with implants and your real teeth are so much better!

I have been thru this so many times. The dentist can never be sure if a rot canal will work. I have had 5 teeth root canalled twice and they eventually had to pull them out because they became so fragile and started cracking off with the new crown on them. I had to pay for 2 root canals, 2 different crowns and then to have them pulled out, implants and new crowns. I joke that I have a few Mercedes in my mouth now. I hope this helps.
If you do decide to go ahead with it I have the most amazing specialist. He is so kind, empathetic and good at what he does. His name is Dr. Girardi and her works in Loveland and Fort Collins.

Hi MK,

I would at all costs try and save the tooth. Let me tell you my nightmare story. 5 years ago I had a root canal that didn't take. I had the tooth pulled and had to get a bridge which was expensive. Two years ago my back tooth that is part of the bridge was killing me and I had to have a root canal on it. For a while it seemed to work then it got infected to the point where I could have gotten very ill had if I didn't have it pulled. So now I have 2 holes in the back of my mouth. (I am sure you are all thinking, why didn't you take care of your teeth, I honestly did.) I can't have a bridge because they are the back teeth. I basically had two options, get implants, which I looked into because I have heard that is for the best. It is very, very expensive and just not an option for us with 3 kids. So, I am stuck with a partial denture and it is awful. So, if you can save your tooth, research and go to a great endodontist. I have also heard with this time matters, so don't wait too long or a root canal may not be possible. Good Luck!

do it again - you need to keep your teeth.

Hi,

I just went through this twice in the last 5 months. I opted to have them extracted as they were both in the back and no one will ever know if they look at me. My dentist told me, and I read someone else on here said the same thing, that even a 2nd root canal has a chance of not working and then you are out all that money. He also said the root canal would be another temporary fix and I would end up losing these teeth within about 5-6 years anyway due to the strain of another root canal. My dentist won't even do the root canals because of the failure rate. He sends everyone to a specialist so he doesn't have to face patients again when they don't work as he didn't do the work! I guess what I'm saying is if you want a permanent fix, do the extraction and then whatever you need to do to make it permanent (bridge/implant/nothing if it's in the back) now as you will end up doing the same thing a few years down the road.

I used to work for a couple of dentists before I had kids. My opinion is to try and save your tooth. Go to the Endodontist (root canal specialist), have a consultation, they usually don't charge for the consultation (though they might charge you for any x-rays they take). See what he says. It IS worth it to save your tooth. My dad makes crowns and bridges (for implants too), and he'll tell you that your own tooth will be way better than any "replacement" tooth he could make & he's been doing it for 28 years. If you have to have it extracted, go for the implant. It will last you a lot longer and will give you the closest bite to your original one. I know a few REALLY good dentists and endodontists if you live in northern utah (davis/weber county). Good luck.

I work for a woman that works in a dental office.
I have a tooth with a very old silver filling, it is a molar and very much coming apart. I don't have dental insurance and asked her about just pulling the tooth vs having to pay for a crown for it. She told me being younger, if you pull a tooth that there can be shifting with the other teeth, then bone loss and that will cause more problems down the road.
I would talk to this specialist and have him tell you the pros and cons of extraction vs. doing the work. If you have good insurance I say save the tooth. I have to still sit here on the fence about it as I cannot really afford a crown. Stinks. Research what early extraction of a tooth does to the surrounding teeth and this bone loss issue. I am sure you can look it all up yourself on the internet. Good luck.

WOuld you be able to afford a replacemnet (fake) tooth? If not, is it in a place where people would notice it missing? Do you care? I guess it would depend on the financial aspect, too. Hmmm. I am not a fan of missing teeth--I guess that sounds snobby. But it does make a difference in how people see you.

Recently my husband had to have a 'redo' of a root canal. The first was about $400 after insurance as was the second. However the second try they went through the gum instead of his tooth. He developed an infection and had to go back in 4 times to have more stitches and different antibiotics. He is fine now but it took over a month for the gum to heal. There is a lot of controversy over root canals some believe that the infection is never taken care of and that it actually moves to another part of the body. I myself would extract the tooth and have an implant but do some research.