Root canal filling OR tooth extraction?

[Kamryn]

Hi

I have a molar tooth that broke down about a month ago and my dentist filled it with white filling. Since the filling was placed, the tooth started to ache at times pretty badly and I had to go back to see him and at that point he recommended either root canal filling or tooth extraction.

The quote for the root canal treatment is four times the cost of tooth extraction, so I don't really know what would be the best course of action for me. I know I would lose the function of the tooth if its removed, but its at the back of the mouth and so the gap will not be obvious. What could happen to my mouth if I have the tooth removed rather than having it root filled?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Hi

When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the bone in the socket begins to resorb and if you decide in future (say a few years later) that you wish to have an implant, you may find that you need bone grafting to replace the bone lost through resorption.

Also after extractions, the neighbouring teeth can drift into the newly created gap and the opposing tooth may over-erupt into the space created. Again in future, if you decide that you wish to have the tooth replaced, you may need orthodontic treatment to reclaim the lost space.

So overall its better to save teeth that can be saved and to replace teeth that cant be saved with an implant/bridge/...

However having said all of that, I know people who have had their back teeth removed and their bite still functions ok, using their incisors and premolars.

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Kamryn,

Thank you for your post.

It is always better to have a root canal filling if a tooth can be saved. In some cases the tooth is non functional and it is not worth keeping the tooth and it is advised to have the tooth removed.

The cost of root canal treatment can be more than a tooth extraction but the missing tooth usually needs replacing and this is additonal treatment and cost.

When a tooth is removed the adjacent and opposing teeth can drift and erupt into the space left by the extracted tooth. This can result in occlusal interferances, premature contacts, periodontal issues and functional deficiencies of chewing. To avoid this happening your dentist will advise a replacement for a missing tooth. Replacement include implants, bridges and dentures.

We would need to see you for assessment of this broken down molar tooth and then advise you accordingly.