Root Canal or Get it Pulled?!

Root Canal or Get it Pulled?

Hi im 22 years old & i Have had a tooth-ache off on for over a year now ! It recently got worse So i went to the dentist! I have had the tooth filled several times ! This recent visit they said the tooth was dieing plus I have bad infection where the filling is on that toothand I need a root canal they explained the procedure and all that ! But both my parents had bad experinces with there root canals and ended getting them pulled out anyhow! Plus I have heard other horror stories as well! My Dental Insurance will only pay half so that leaves me to pay 500.00 not includeing the crowns to be put on later! Its a back tooth so Im really considering just haveing pulled but I really am worried cause im young still and most of my teeth have fillings so its not like I perfect teeth to start with! So just any good advice or suggustions would be great!

Hi Emily,

I would personally consider root canal treatment (RCT). RCT is not guaranteed successful, but surely it is worth a try, because it is better to try and keep all of your teeth in your mouth.

I can see your point, though, as it if proves unsuccessful, then you've wasted a lot of money.

I am 20 years old and regret having teeth extracted, but that might be because I work in a dental practice and teeth interest me now.

If you have a decent amount of teeth in your mouth, then perhaps opt for it to be extracted. Ask your dentist if it will make much of a difference if the tooth is missing.

I must say, quite a few patients I have seen recently have decided on an extraction, rather than RCT. But please do not let this influence your decision.

I am a dental surgery assistant and my advice is given on a personal level and should not be considered to be professional.

Please let me know what you decide.

Keep smiling.