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Root canal or extraction?

Kate Kestrel

I’ve recently had an infected back tooth - it’s been agonisingly painful but the dentist has put a dressing on the tooth and given me antibiotics- and said I’m going to have to either have the tooth extracted or have a root canal. I’ve never had a root canal before but they have a reputation for being unpleasant (and can fail) and I’m inclined to have the extraction and have the whole thing over and done with. The tooth apparently has three roots to it so I imagine that won’t help matters. So can I ask if anyone on here has had the experience of having to make this choice - and how did it go? Thanks 

Parents

  • I have chosen in the past to have extractions due to the alternative being unaffordable. 

    However, having had one root canal treatment I would choose an extraction unless the tooth was essential to save for eating.

    All the best. 

  • in reply to B

    Thanks - I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. It’s been years and years since I had an extraction and I’ve never had a root canal - so I’m finding it so hard to make this decision. Totally agree about the cost - and I haven’t got access to an nhs dentist at the moment so the costs are crazy. Was your root canal more unpleasant than an extraction? I presume it takes a lot longer to do? Part of me worries that as dentists make so much more money from a root canal that they’re more likely to encourage you to have one. My dentist says that you have the root canal and then about 8 months later they put a crown on - did that happen with yours? I imagine that’s going to double the cost too. 

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  • in reply to B

    Thanks - I really appreciate you taking the time to reply. It’s been years and years since I had an extraction and I’ve never had a root canal - so I’m finding it so hard to make this decision. Totally agree about the cost - and I haven’t got access to an nhs dentist at the moment so the costs are crazy. Was your root canal more unpleasant than an extraction? I presume it takes a lot longer to do? Part of me worries that as dentists make so much more money from a root canal that they’re more likely to encourage you to have one. My dentist says that you have the root canal and then about 8 months later they put a crown on - did that happen with yours? I imagine that’s going to double the cost too. 

Children