Extraction vs Root Canal 2nd molar

[mytoothhurts2]

Hi, I'm wanting to see what people think - I'm terrified of both options. This is regarding my 2nd molar - I have all my wisdom teeth missing but otherwise have all my other teeth, I am 50 years old.

Extraction - my main fear (other than the actual procedure) is that I will miss this tooth. I use it a lot for chewing - anyone here have this tooth missing? How do you get along without it? Did you miss it or find it difficult to eat at first or even now?

Root canal - I already have a filling on the backside of this tooth and I am afraid that the root canal will fail and I have to have the tooth out eventually anyway. I'm also not convinced that a root canal will get rid of all the infection in my mouth and jaw. My face has been swollen on that side for so long (because all the dentists/specialists couldn't figure out what was going on) that I feel like my face has changed shape on that side irreversibly and a root canal may not help?

Any advice anyone? Thanks heaps in advance.

 

[RaptorZX3]

hi!

a root canal, quickly said, get rid of the inflammed and/or infected nerve inside the tooth. If you have a deep filling, cold and heat will eventually irritate the nerve (also called pulp).

That said, i had 2 big fillings on 2 molars on the lower left. I also have my wisdom teeth pulled about 2 years ago i think. Last January i paid for a root canal on my first molar because this one was the most affected one and the worst in vitality. But if i would have had the money to get a root canal for both molars, i would have done it, for the sake of keeping my teeth.

The first molar seem to be ok so far, but since i can't afford another root canal, if the 2nd molar start to give me pain for a more prolongued time, i would have no choice but to get it pulled out. Usually the inflammation might last from a few days to a few weeks.

If you have insurance, or have the money for a root canal, then go ahead, make sure to get a good dentist for the task, or see an endodontist for the treatment (though they cost a bit more, but they are specialists in root canals)

 

[ScaredyCat22]

Hi, I'm wanting to see what people think - I'm terrified of both options. This is regarding my 2nd molar - I have all my wisdom teeth missing but otherwise have all my other teeth, I am 50 years old.

Extraction - my main fear (other than the actual procedure) is that I will miss this tooth. I use it a lot for chewing - anyone here have this tooth missing? How do you get along without it? Did you miss it or find it difficult to eat at first or even now?

Root canal - I already have a filling on the backside of this tooth and I am afraid that the root canal will fail and I have to have the tooth out eventually anyway. I'm also not convinced that a root canal will get rid of all the infection in my mouth and jaw. My face has been swollen on that side for so long (because all the dentists/specialists couldn't figure out what was going on) that I feel like my face has changed shape on that side irreversibly and a root canal may not help?

Any advice anyone? Thanks heaps in advance.

I would extract it. it is quick, easy, cheaper, and since it is the last tooth in the arch with no wisdoms behind it it would not even need to be replaced and I doubt you would ever miss it. On the flip side I am missing a first molar and since that leaves a giant gap between my premolar and second molar I do miss it very much but I was unable to save it and wasted a lot of money on a root canal and permanent crown and had it extracted 2 weeks later before I was even done paying the bill for the root canal.