Have you ever had to make a choice between tooth extraction and root canal

I have never had to make that decision, you must be in such a hard position. My mother always told me, as well as other people, that your teeth are one your best investments, and that is how I feel as well. That is one of my biggest fears, losing a tooth, so I would probably find a way to get money to fix it, even if it meant dental bills for a while. Ask your dentist if there is a payment plan you can do, explain that you are no longer insured and that your teeth are important to you, I am sure he will be generous with you- as many dentists and doctors are when they know your situation. I wish you the best of luck in your decision.

Quite a few times and I've gone in for both. Believe me, its easier and far less painful going in for an extraction. Root canal is painful, time-consuming and pretty expensive. I'll go for extraction anyday.

I have already had one tooth extracted and if need be, I would extract another but never go for root canal therapy. With all due respect, I don’t trust doctors completely and mistakes can be committed by anybody and everybody…root canal requires the doctors to work in close proximity to the nerves of tooth and face and if something happens to the nerves (just a jab of needle) that would be far more serious than losing a tooth. A tooth that has already become bad is better dug out than left with clips and artificial attachments.

Funny that I encountered this discussion today. I just brought my son to the dentist a couple of days ago. The dentist also made us choose between extraction and root canal. Like you, we don't have the budget for the more expensive procedure but my son didn't like to lose his tooth. We ended up having two other teeth get fillings. My son made a deal with the dentist that he'll have the tooth extracted when it becomes painful again. Just last night, he complained again of toothache. Now, he's ready to set another appointment with the dentist for an extraction. I'll probably take him there again this weekend. *Sigh*

i took tooth extraction too Costy!!!!!!

You definitely need to read this book "Root Canal Cover-up" by George E. Meining because it could save your life! The hard part of your teeth can harbor infection that no antiobiotic or root canal can get rid of and it can actually cause a wide range of ailments and degenerative diseases if your immune system is compromised in any way or becomes comprised in the future. This book explains a no expense way to test if there is infection there or call me (813)481-9669. If so pull it and have the dentist follow this specific protocol in this book to get rid of all infectious material to prevent disease or cure you of one that you may already have! This infection does not show up on x-rays! Look up focal infection theory by Dr. Price or try calling the Price Pottenger Foundation 1-800-366-3748. You will be shocked on this evidence that has been buried and only a handful of dentist in the country even know about! Good Luck!

I think tooth extraction is going to be one solution but the tooth will be gone. I had done root canal for one tooth. Its not so costly in our country.I had to do taht after one road accident.

I had to make this decision a little over a year ago. And I am glad that I decided to go with the root canal with a crown. I know it is expensive, but it is well worth it. A friend of mine had to make this same decision about 4 years, she opted to have the tooth removed. Now, unfortunately, she is having to come up with the money to get a partial plate. I think in the long run, you are better off taking care of the situation now, otherwise it may lead to something worse, or more expensive in the long run. Good luck to you!

I've never had to make that decision as my dentist helps me decide but it must be hard to make. If its not quiet noticeable then there should not be much harm in removing it. You should remove it. If you gain some money in the future then you can always get a tooth implanted. I hope everything works out for you.

Well.... I have not been without insurance plus if the cost was too high, I would likely find a way to finance it. I actually did have an extraction in the back due to a broken root, but I would NEVER do it in the front, not if there was any other option. In fact, the only options in the front would be a lava crown or an implant if necessary lol. Even if it was horribly expensive that's the only solution in my opinion.

I've had a few due to the same reasons as you! Ask the dentist if he can due the root canal and put a temporary filling in it! You would delay the whole payment at once. I did this before and the temp. filling lasted 16 months, and then I got the permenent filling put in! The temp will last for a long time. It's woth a shot, I'd do anything before extracting it! tdemex

I'm sorry if this may scare you. I have had tooth extraction as well as root canal treatment done. I had a normal tooth extraction and the pain subsided in 1 day. After an year or so i went to the doctor fearing that he may suggest another extraction. But to my surprise he suggested root canal and i was fine with it not knowing the process and the difficulties. Believe it or not, i got root canal done and my sinus problem started from nowhere. I'm prone to catching cold and this makes the matter worse. I started feeling that tooth extraction is better as i still have problem with the tooth that underwent root canal treatment.

yea..i opted for root cana... with tooth extraction, it does something to your face, sort of some muscles on your schhek kinds look collapsed to fill in the empty space... root canal will save you from wearing false tooth

I would not extract the tooth, I would get the filling instead and wait it out for a year or so. When you manage to get the money to pay for the root canal, ask him to do the procedure.