Tooth extraction - or not??

Elizabeth64

Hello,


I'm new here and just wondered if anyone with experience could advise as to what would be best as I'm getting myself in a right muddle trying to decide what to do.....


I had a root canal (L6) in Aug 2010. Apparently there was a bit he was unable to "do" but he said if it lasted a year then that would be better than nothing. Since then the tooth has always felt sensitive and occasionally I get a dull ache for a few days. When I've mentioned it, the dentist has just said that it's because I grind my teeth and don't wear my night guard. Not true I think - but I now wear the night guard every night and am a complete convert! Anyway, last Aug I had an x-ray (because a blood test at my GP showed up some infection) and the dentist said there was some infection at the bottom of this tooth and gave me antibiotics. She said the only solution would be to have the tooth out as it would keep getting infected. I have an appointment to get the tooth extracted next Monday - but I really don't want to go ahead. I'm not actually in agony - it's just an annoying ache for a few days here and there. Would it be best to keep the tooth for as long as possible and just put up with the discomfort for now? Or should I get it extracted before it gets worse and while I'm not in agony? I know it's my decision, but I'm giving myself panic attacks here trying to decide! It would be the first tooth I've lost, and I'm quite attached to them! Can anyone offer advice/experience?


Thank you.

Annie1960

Is your dentist NHS or private?
If NHS, they will be quick to remove your tooth.
If private, they will do everything possible to avoid extracting your tooth (I'm currently going through root canal work at present, and they refused to take it out even though that is what I wanted).

If a private dentist tells you it needs to be removed, then I think there is probably nothing more they can do.

Elizabeth64

My dentist is NHS Annie. The "senior" dentist at the practice did the root canal originally, and his attitude was that he wanted to try to save the tooth if at all possible, even if it was only for a year or two. My own dentist had left the practice which is why I saw him, but I now have my own dentist again - I did try to get on the list of the dentist who did the root canal, but couldn't unfortunately.

Owain_Moneysaver

We are unable to give medical advise on this forum.

Dentists (even NHS ones!) are usually very reluctant nowadays to extract teeth unless it is really necessary.

You could ask the dentist about a partial denture or an implant if you don't want a gap.

Elizabeth64

Thanks Owain. It's my decision and mine alone I know! I think it's the thought of a gap which is getting to me....! I've been reading other threads about NHS v private dentistry and I do wonder if a private dentist might be prepared to re-do the root canal, rather than extract, but to be honest I just can't afford to go private at the moment. It's a shame but there we are. I'd rather keep the tooth but I think I'll have to resign myself to letting it go at some point (if not next Monday...).

Toothsmith

Elizabeth64 wrote: »

She said the only solution would be to have the tooth out as it would keep getting infected. I have an appointment to get the tooth extracted next Monday - but I really don't want to go ahead. I'm not actually in agony - it's just an annoying ache for a few days here and there. Would it be best to keep the tooth for as long as possible and just put up with the discomfort for now? Or should I get it extracted before it gets worse and while I'm not in agony?

The time to fix the roof is when the sun's shining!

These things never flare up at a 'convenient' time! Where do you want to be when it does?

On holiday? Dentist on holiday? The day before an important family event? These are all times when teeth LOVE to flare up!!!

aiza55

Well,
I had 6 teeth pulled- NO NOVACAINE OWWWW...
But that was years ago and now I'm 17 with perfect teeth

elsien

Elizabeth64 wrote: »

Hello,

! It would be the first tooth I've lost, and I'm quite attached to them! Can anyone offer advice/experience?


Thank you.

No comments on the dentistry side of things, that's down to you. But whereabouts is the tooth in question? I had similar qualms about having a tooth extracted (imminent signs of impending decrepitude, and all that) but it was towards the back and now it's gone I don't miss it, and you can't really see the gap unless I'm laughing like a hyena.