Root Canal or Extraction-- What To Do

originally posted by: DontTreadOnMe
a reply to: eletheia

Does the bridge go into the gum...or is it just between two teeth???

Its an artificial tooth between two crowns ....

If its an end tooth it is a cantilever, that is a crown with an extra tooth to fill

the space. If its very far back you won't miss it if it is extracted anyway.

a reply to: angeldoll

Thanks for the input. Things to consider.

It is indeed a bottom tooth, almost to the back....there is one behind it.

I'm already on penicillin....he suggested I have the work done within two weeks.
And I am taking probiotics to replenish my gut/immune system....opposite the dose of anti-biotics.

a reply to: eletheia

Does the artificial tooth go into the gum???

originally posted by: DontTreadOnMe
a reply to: eletheia

Does the artificial tooth go into the gum???

No ....It rests on the gum, that's why its called a bridge = between two teeth.

a reply to: eletheia

Don't certain foods get lodged beneath it???

originally posted by: DontTreadOnMe
a reply to: eletheia

Don't certain foods get lodged beneath it???

Can't say Its bothered me and I've had mine for around 35 years. I should

imagine its a close fit because impressions are taken, and bristles while

brushing will dislodge any particles!

I have been more than happy with mine

a reply to: eletheia

Do you need to remove that while sleeping?

originally posted by: angeldoll
a reply to: eletheia

Do you need to remove that while sleeping?

NO .... Its been unmovable and in situ ALL that time.

He was a five star dentist, the odd times I had to visit a dentist they

always remarked on how good the work I had, had done was.

I am very sad that he is no longer with us.

a reply to: eletheia

I always got lots of cavities!! I had a gold crown for many many years that finally had to be replaced, I have several cowns and root canals in the back,,,never got any wisdom teeth and good thing because there was NO room for them!!

always told my husband to sign us up for the dental plan at his work that gave us the most coverage because of my history..... HE on the other hand NEVER had a single cavity in his entire life!!! was hoping our daughters would take after him but, no!!!

they had those jaw stretcher devices and they both got their wisdom teeth...found out when they were in their thirties, they both had 1 wisdom tooth that came in sideways, my 1 daughter had to go to an oral surgeon for the one because it was too close to something so the regular dentist could not remove it..

I always thought that if I could bottle and sell whatever IT was that prevented my husband from ever having cavities I would make millions!!!...the irony is that he did LOSE one tooth because of bad gums!

a reply to: eletheia

NO .... Its been unmovable and in situ ALL that time.

Good! I know what you mean about the dentist. Mine retired and I miss him so much. So sorry about yours.

Well, DTOM!

My my look at all your options!

1. Extraction
2. Crown
3. Implant
4. Bridge

Happy decision making!

a reply to: research100

I've had cavities too. I blame chocolate covered almonds, and Reeses's, I'm looking at you.

I had all 4 wisdom teeth removed last year. When smooth as hell and wished I had done it earlier. The problem is the molar next to my lower right wisdom tooth had issues because my wisdom tooth was coming in sideways and it intertwined with the molar. Causing nerve damage. I had him pull it and it has been no issue at all with eating or anything else. That was done by the oral surgeon. My dentist however really wants me to get an implant for that spot, my oral surgeon said there is no need. So as of right now I'm not getting one. So speaking from experience it's not that bad to have it pulled and you could always get an implant.

a reply to: angeldoll

Yes, and thanks to you and others for all the input, experiences, etc.

Looks more and more like extraction is the way for me to go.

Bridges for another day, if need be.

a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

I hope he gives you something for pain.

a reply to: angeldoll

Yeah, me too.

I know I needed good pain meds when I had my wisdom teeth pulled many years ago.....a kinder, gentler time when pain meds were given...and not just waste-or-time Motrin.

Will post when I get organized and get a referral to an oral surgeon.

originally posted by: HawkeyeNation
I had all 4 wisdom teeth removed last year. When smooth as hell and wished I had done it earlier.

That is what my dentist did before starting on the work he did in my mouth.

And that is what the orthodontist did with my 16 year old grand daughter

when she had a brace fitted .... It was amazing to see her teeth come into

line over about 15 months, her mother took regular photographs of the inside

of her mouth and it was fascinating to see the changes !! She now has perfect

straight teeth and no cavities.

That was done by the oral surgeon. My dentist however really wants me to get an implant for that spot, my oral surgeon said there is no need. So as of right now I'm not getting one. So speaking from experience it's not that bad to have it pulled and you could always get an implant.

^^^^that^^^^is the problem these days, its more of a 'money making business'

than anything ..... they want to rope you in with a *plan* which keeps them in work

and I refuse to get roped into 3 monthly oral checks .....


3 months = 13 weeks .... what can possibly go wrong in that short time !!!

UPDATE
With my insurance, I don't have a lot of choices where to go.
I have a consult for the extraction with the oral surgeon on Monday morning.

Thanks to all for their input and experiences.

a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

A good oral surgeon is worth their weight in gold.

My mother has full implants, and I had my wisdom teeth pulled at the same surgeon with no issues.

I was back at work 2 days later.

originally posted by: cynicalheathen
a reply to: DontTreadOnMe

A good oral surgeon is worth their weight in gold.

My mother has full implants, and I had my wisdom teeth pulled at the same surgeon with no issues.

I was back at work 2 days later.

Very true! My guy was excellent but damn I was really concerned after our consultation. The dude was nice and all but god damn he had #ing bear hands. I was like, how the hell do you fit those damn things in peoples mouth. Regardless, though, I did not have that feeling of my mouth being ripped off so obviously he knew what he was doing lol.

Well, I have the extraction scheduled for next Friday morning.

The surgeon agreed the tooth is better pulled.
I'll have my jaw numbed.....hopefully won't need gas.
And it'll be stitched, which is good.