Root canal or tooth extraction?

[Alex L]

Hello

I have a right molar tooth that has been aching on/off for the past two months. My NHS dentist has tried to fill it twice, once with a silver filling and later on with a white filling.

The pain from the tooth is now much worst than before. My dentist says that he does not have the ability to do root canal treatment because apparently this is a difficult case and has said that I will need to see a root canal specialist at a cost of almost £1000 for the root canal.

I cant afford root canal treatment at that sort of cost but at the same time don't know what will happen if the tooth is removed. Do I have to see a root canal specialist or can a private dentist do this sort of treatment? Is it better to have the tooth root treated or extracted?

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Alex,

General private dentists can perform difficult root canal treatments. A root canal specialist also known as an endodontist specialise in this field of dentistry. The success rate with an endodontist is higher than a general dentist and the fee for the treatment can be 2 or 3 times higher.

We advise every patient who can't see a nhs dentist for their dental care to see a private dentist and seek advise. Should the treatment be complex then referral to a specialist will be made.

The decision to root treat or extract will depend on the condition of the tooth, the treatment success levels and financially. In most instances we will attempt to save the tooth. All treatment options will be discussed with you at pearl dental clinic and an informed decision can then be made by the patient.