would rather extract teeth than get a root canal? TERRIFIED?

[1398_Days]

I'm 17 and I need a root canal (tooth #29). I'm TERRIFIED. I'm going to the dentist tomorrow and I'm freaking out and all they're gonna do is give me antibiotics. When we found out that I needed a root canal my parents let me decide if I wanted the root canal or if I wanted to get it extracted. I never wanted the root canal, but I said I did because my mom kind of pressured me into saying it. Anyway, that was a while ago (i convinced my parents to hold off on the root canal..) and now the tooth has been hurting. Especially last night, I got MAYBE 3 hours of sleep because the pain was so bad. At this point the tooth is gray and I'm assuming it's dead. I actually need a root canal on tooth #15 as well and that one is dead too. I really don't want the root canals and would rather have them extracted. I think at this point it's not so much because I'm scared but because it's been so long and the infection is probably so bad by now.. and I really don't want two badly decayed, dead teeth in my mouth for the rest of my life. I know I'm only 17 I should try to save the tooth, etc. That's what everyone says but I really don't want these dead teeth in my mouth forever, let alone with the chance that a root canal could fail and I would have to get them extracted anyway. I don't know.. what do you think?

 

[minx]

my opinion, save your teeth. if dentist can do root canal and save em..then save them! even it terrifies you. I heard lots of testimonies and pretty much everyone is happy that they save them instead of extracting. I would say extracting teeth is when you have no option but to extract. if you have an option SAVE THEM. I never seen anyone who regrets saving teeth over extracting it. good luck

 

[1398_Days]

my opinion, save your teeth. if dentist can do root canal and save em..then save them! even it terrifies you. I heard lots of testimonies and pretty much everyone is happy that they save them instead of extracting. I would say extracting teeth is when you have no option but to extract. if you have an option SAVE THEM. I never seen anyone who regrets saving teeth over extracting it. good luck

Maybe.. but don't think I can do it.. And with how bad the teeth are (they were already really bad when I first went to the dentist and that was over a year ago) I don't know if it's worth it to me. Also, if I do get them extracted I'm getting braces so would that help prevent my other teeth from moving or something? IF i get them pulled, that is. :/

 

[minx]

well if it was year ago they might not be able to save. but dentist said always keep your teeth as long as possible. best thing to do is let doctor see your teeth condition and do what he say. I still think is bad Idea to over rule doctors recommendation and go extraction rout. if it was RC year ago, then doctor might tell you to extract.

 

[FearfulInMA]

I've had 4 root canals and was so terrified before the first one thinking I was going to be in agony. By the time I got to the office for the appointment I couldn't even talk. All 4 of them have been completely painless and they have all immediately relieved the pain I was in prior. If you can, I would save the teeth. Also, extractions are not free of complications (and there is usually a longer recovery time) either and, as young as you are, not having teeth there could cause bone loss, etc.

 

[Thephilsblogbar]

Agree save your teeth if you can. I had one done in 2006 from what I remember it was pretty painless, even though I had to have three appointments to have it done, it was better than losing the tooth (where I would have probably needed a implant done in the future)

 

[comfortdentist]

GENERALLY rct on 29 is pretty easy.
Let the dentist get you completely numb realizing it may take several injections. Work out a deal with the dentist to let the doctor start the rct and if at any point you think you are suffering then the doctor can take it out instead. The advantage is that if you feel okay you get to keep the tooth and if you can't stand it you have a way out and this usually works well to help relieve your anxiety.