Tag Archives: extraction vs root canal treatment

Affordable Dentistry

Is tooth extraction my only choice?

Two of my left molar teeth are infected. Both teeth have old fillings in them. After over a month of pain that I managed with Advil, I went to the dentist. The dentist took an x-ray and said both teeth have an abscess, and he wants to extract them both. I asked him about my options, and he said there aren’t any. Is this a standard solution for molar teeth with abscesses? – Thank you. Noah from Austin

Noah,

A dentist is ethically and legally obligated to explain your options. Unless your dental insurance is government funded, your dentist must explain your options. Government programs will pay for the cheapest option, which is extraction.

Treatment Alternatives to Tooth Extraction

Side-by-side diagram of an infected tooth being cleaned out with root canal treatment (left) and a healthy tooth to the right.
An endodontist can resolve previous root canal issues

If your teeth are infected, root canal treatment is the best treatment option. An abscess at a tooth root is a sign that the tooth pulp—living tissue—is dead. Tooth nerves are in the pulp, so your root canal treatment will be painless and more comfortable than tooth extraction. When third molars, or wisdom teeth, are infected, tooth extraction is best because wisdom tooth anatomy is complex.

Faulty Fillings and Tooth Pain

Faulty fillings can cause tooth pain and lead to infection. If your dentist did shoddy work on your fillings and knows it, he may want to extract your teeth without explaining your option.

What Happens After Tooth Extraction?

If a dentist extracts a second or first molar, the upper tooth will probably drift into the space and hit the lower gum. You can lose the upper tooth also. If there are no teeth behind your second molar, you probably won’t have complications.

Keep in mind that Dr. Lacy has not examined your teeth, and we cannot provide an accurate diagnosis. We recommend that you get a second opinion from an experienced dentist who will explain your treatment options. It would be unusual, but if you require extractions and dental implants, you can speak with the dentist about financing or payment plans if needed.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Teeth whitening

Is an extraction instead of a root canal necessary?

I scheduled an appointment for a dental exam and teeth whitening consultation. The exam included an x-ray, and the dentist said he isn’t comfortable doing teeth whitening yet because one of my top left molars that already has a crown on it no longer has a canal. The tooth has been uncomfortable for a few months, but I didn’t think it was that serious. My dentist prescribed antibiotics and said that since the tooth doesn’t have a canal, he can’t do root canal treatment. If the tooth doesn’t improve from antibiotics, he recommends extraction. I’ve read many times that it is always better to keep your natural teeth. My dentist didn’t give me any options. Are there alternatives to an extraction? – Thank you. Latha

Latha,

Although Dr. Lacy would need to examine your tooth and x-rays for an accurate diagnosis, we are not comfortable with your dentist’s evaluation.

Antibiotics for tooth discomfort

Your tooth cannot be treated with antibiotics alone. A dentist might use antibiotics as a diagnostic tool.

  • Tooth pain that improves with antibiotics – If tooth pain goes away with antibiotic treatment, you have a tooth infection. Treatment options can include root canal treatment or extraction. But if your dentist does not treat the tooth and remove the infection, after you stop taking the medication, the symptoms will return.
  • Tooth pain that does not improve with antibiotics – When antibiotics do not resolve tooth pain, it is an indication that a tooth infection is not the source. Your dentist would need to find the cause before recommending treatment.

A tooth without a canal?

If a dentist tells you that your tooth does not have a canal, two possible factors include:

  • Upper molar teeth have a lot of bone around them, making it difficult to see the root canal, so your dentist’s assessment might not be correct.
  • Tooth irritation causes a buildup of dentin (layer beneath tooth enamel) inside the tooth pulp and canals. The buildup narrows the canals and can make them more challenging to see on an x-ray.

Saving your natural tooth

If you want to save your tooth, we recommend getting a second opinion. Look for an endodontist (root canal specialist) or ask your dentist for a referral to an endodontist. Be aware that your dentist might refer you to a friend who will agree with your dentist’s assessment. You may want an independent opinion.

Photo of upper and lower teeth whitening trays in a blue case; for information on free teeth whitening from the office Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
Only begin teeth whitening treatment if your teeth are healthy

After an examination and x-ray, an endodontist will explain if it’s possible to save your tooth and the results you can expect with root canal treatment. It is wise to postpone your plans for teeth whitening until your tooth is healthy. Otherwise, it may become further irritated.

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