Mouth too small for root filling

[Jamster]

After getting toothache/infection in one of my lower molar teeth (2nd from back-i still have wisdom teeth), my dentist gave me penecillin and advised that the tooth would have to come out (it already had a large filling on it from 2years previous). He said he would not attempt a root filling, as i had such a small mouth and extraction would be the best option. I thought i was ok with this, as it was hurting at the time, but when the pain went away, i cancelled the appointment. I have never had a molar tooth taken out and i was worrying about it like crazy. I have had two root fillings in the past (an upper and lower molar but not as far back as this one), the first was a bit of a nightmare, as i couldnt seem to get numb, but thats another story.
Anyway, i want to get this other tooth sorted, as i dont want to leave it to flare up again. Part of me wants to have it root filled, as i know what to expect and i save the tooth, though i know root fillings can be quite tricky and time consuming.
Should i get a 2nd opinion or are some peoples mouths just too small for certain types of treatment ie root fillings ? I guess wisdom teeth would never be root filled?
At the time, i had an infection/swelling and couldnt open my mouth properly and im wondering maybe thats why my dentist thought i had a small mouth. I'm not sure if this means anything but if i open my mouth, the gap between my top and bottom teeth measures 4.5cm
Obviously, extraction is a quicker and perhaps easier option but i'm wondering if its better to try and save the tooth. Is extraction normally a last resort or a cheap way out? I'm not too worried about the cost, just want to get it sorted. I'm 33 by the way

 

[brit]

I'm not a dentist but sounds like a cop out to me. I'd seek out an endodontist (root canal specialist) maybe...you certainly don't want someone unwilling working on a root canal. Getting numb shouldn't be an issue either. The fact that your dentist doesn't want to do it, also indicates that he feels it is beyond his capabilities but for an endo it could well be a piece of cake.

 

[scared0902]

I would also seek another opinion. I have a very small mouth (they use child-size everything on me) and TMJ issues, so I can't open my mouth very wide, but my dentist said she could definitely do a root canal on me if needed (and she's not an endo). I would save the tooth if you can at all!

 

[Jamster]

Thanks for the advice. The dentist in question was recommended to me by my sister (who is more anxious about dentists than me). Her boyfriend is also a patient there and has had several extractions and he certainly doesnt have a small mouth (So could of had root fillings), though i think extraction was the quickest and cheapest option at the time.
I didnt realise how much more expensive root fillings are compared to just an extraction. I'm not saying all dentists are in it for the money, but surely its in there interests to do a root filling and also the patients (money permitting) as they get to keep the tooth.
I know root fillings can be tricky, but surely all dentists should be capable of doing them. Whilst not a fan of them myself, i think i would prefer that to an extraction.
I am considering seeking another dentist, i could also do with one a bit nearer to me as well.

 

[RP]

Root canals are tricky, so no, some dentist just stay away from them altogether and others won't touch anything but an incisor (one root) and leave them to an endodontist. If not done well, you risk losing the tooth. I've had three root canals performed by general dentists that did not fair well. One missed a canal, one got reinfected and the other went half way and quit. Endododntists have the equipment (microsope) and expertise for the trickier cases. Better off doing it right the first time instead of paying twice and while extraction seem like a cheap and quick alternative it is only until you have to replace the mssing tooth and fill in the gap. So be careful you're not being short sighted about the ramifications of an extraction.