• Replies 57 replies
  • Subscribers 12 subscribers
  • Views 1206 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

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 had root canal treatment that failed once because I left it too late. There were precarious immigration/self employed financial issues going on the time alas. Since then I've lost both wisdom teeth that both went bad, memorably on one occasion with an agonising dental abscess that came on whilst on holiday abroad. S

    ince had it again, but this time the tooth was saved as it was caught earlier. And I paid for an implant to replace the first tooth I lost. I had extensive periodontal treatment in recent years, being told.I might lose all my teeth otherwise, and agreed to it as there are to many tales about this condition bringing on heart disease, dementia, and worse. 

    The pain can be controlled, but the i ital injections are no fun. It's important to explain to the dentist if your pain thresholds are low I think. They know many people fear that side of dental work.

    With dental abscesses the important thing is to get that pain dealt with. It's no fun, and a medical emergency really! Luckily in the city I live on there is a 24-four hour emergency dentist. 

Reply

  • I had root canal treatment that failed once because I left it too late. There were precarious immigration/self employed financial issues going on the time alas. Since then I've lost both wisdom teeth that both went bad, memorably on one occasion with an agonising dental abscess that came on whilst on holiday abroad. S

    ince had it again, but this time the tooth was saved as it was caught earlier. And I paid for an implant to replace the first tooth I lost. I had extensive periodontal treatment in recent years, being told.I might lose all my teeth otherwise, and agreed to it as there are to many tales about this condition bringing on heart disease, dementia, and worse. 

    The pain can be controlled, but the i ital injections are no fun. It's important to explain to the dentist if your pain thresholds are low I think. They know many people fear that side of dental work.

    With dental abscesses the important thing is to get that pain dealt with. It's no fun, and a medical emergency really! Luckily in the city I live on there is a 24-four hour emergency dentist. 

Children
  • in reply to Nexus11

    Hi Nexus11 - thanks for your reply - it sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your teeth. It’s far from easy isn’t it? The pain I had last week really shocked me - it was so severe. What is having a dental implant like? Is it better or worse than a root canal? And can you tell the difference once they’re in? Do they just feel like normal teeth and do you forget all about them once they’re in?