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Affordable Dentistry

I Can’t Afford a Replacement Tooth After Extraction

My right bottom first molar is severely infected and decayed. I need a root canal or extraction, but my second molar on that same side is missing. If I get an extraction, will a snap-on smile be less expensive than a dental crown while hiding the missing tooth? – Thanks. Gracie

Gracie,

We understand your concerns about the cost of tooth replacement. Hopefully, the following information will help you understand what’s best fo your oral health.

Snap-On Smile After Tooth Extraction?

A Snap-on Smile is the worst option for concealing a missing tooth after extraction. Its purpose is to make your smile look better for a special occasion, but it does not look good. And it is not strong enough to function as a tooth replacement for a molar. If you wear a Snap-On Smile daily, it will wear out quickly.

Effects of Extracting a First Molar When the Second Is Missing

You mentioned that you already lost your second molar. If your dentist extracts the first molar, you will have no molars on the right side.

  • Chewing – How will you chew without molar teeth unless you stick to a soft diet?
  • Unstable oral appliance – Without a tooth behind your first molar, even a partial denture will not be stable because it needs to clasp adjacent teeth for stability. It’s like a table with legs only in the middle and one end. The table’s weight will make it fall toward the end, which has no support. An oral appliance will add twisting force to the supporting teeth and weaken them.
  • Tooth loss – Early tooth loss will cause your teeth to shift. And although orthodontic treatment could realign your teeth, you would also need dental implants with many missing teeth.

Root Canal Treatment to Save a First Molar

Root canal treatment saves your natural tooth, avoids an uncomfortable oral appliance that will not have enough support, and saves the expense of extraction and a dental implant.

Ultimately, a dentist will examine and x-ray your teeth before explaining your treatment options. If saving your natural teeth is an option, we recommend doing so. Ask the dental office about making dental treatment affordable with options that may include payment plans or completing dental work in phases if possible.

Dr. Miranda Lacy, a Plano, Texas dentist, sponsors this post.

Affordable Dentistry

I Can’t Afford a Root Canal. How Long Can I Wait?

Two months ago, I had a flare-up in a molar tooth, so I made a same-day appointment with a dentist that my co-worker recommended. The dentist said I need a root canal, but I cannot afford it. How long can I put it off before the tooth surprises me again?

Thank you for your inquiry. Although Dr. Lacy would need to examine your tooth and x-rays, we can explain some basics.

Delaying a Root Canal If You Cannot Afford It

If you cannot afford root canal treatment and decide to delay it, consider a few signs and symptoms that might help you identify the status of your tooth. But the descriptions below are not a substitute for dental care.

Strawberry blonde woman with glasses with her hand over her mouth - perhaps needing root canal from an affordable dentist
Look for an affordable dentist for a root canal and payment plans
  • Painful tooth – A painful tooth is a symptom of an active infection that is spreading. Without root canal treatment, the infection can spread into your jawbone, other teeth, and your bloodstream.
  • Drainage or a gum pimple – Drainage in your mouth or a gum pimple near your tooth root is a sign of tooth abscess. Although it is not an emergency, you need treatment as soon as possible. Again, the infection can spread into your jawbone and chin and cause more problems.
  • Painless tooth – If your tooth does not hurt at all, the pulp (tissue and nerves inside) died. But the infection can still eat away at your tooth roots and make it impossible for a dentist to save your tooth. If active tooth decay caused your condition, it would grow until it destroys your tooth.

 Options When You Cannot Afford Root Canal Treatment

If you cannot afford root canal treatment but you want to save your tooth, here are some options:

  • Ask about payment plans – Many dentists offer payment plans for treatment. For example, you can pay for treatment over several months.
  • Ask about financing – CareCredit® is a health care credit card that offers low- or no-interest financing for qualifying applicants.
  • –– If you do not have dental insurance, some dental offices offer a dental savings plan to help you save money on care.

What About Tooth Extraction?

If you cannot afford root canal treatment, tooth extraction should be the last resort. When you extract a tooth:

  • Other teeth will begin to drift and disrupt your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth fit together)
  • As your teeth move, they can create orthodontic issues
  • Tooth replacement options are more expensive than root canal treatment

Look for an Affordable Dentist

Look for experienced dentists in your area who offer payment plans, financing, or a dental savings plan. You will be able to get root canal treatment and afford it by paying for care over time.

Miranda Lacy, DDS, a female dentist in Plano, TX, sponsors this post.