I went to the dentist with a sore tooth today. Again, I have the typical choice: root canal or extraction. Two years ago, I went with the extraction because it was not only cheaper, but it was the rearmost tooth. This time, it's between two other teeth, so it will leave a large empty space. At 72 years of age, it's hard justifying $2,000 for one tooth, but having that large empty space isn't appealing, either. I could buy a fairly decent lens with that money.
Just have 'em all pulled and give the dentist $2k for some dentures. The pain will be over and after 5 or so trips back for adjustments, you'll never see him again.
Get the root canal - oral health is as important as other parts of the body.
Skip the root canal. They don't always hold up and the crown will set you back a bundle. I had one on a molar and 9 years later the tooth came out while brushing my teeth. It had broken off on the roots which were as brittle as could be. If I had had it pulled I would have saved myself a lot of money plus I then had to pay the dentist to pull the roots. Get the lens. At your age and mine, I'm three years older than you, nobody is much looking at us anyway, and if they do they aren't expecting a handsome Don Juan.
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
jerryc41 wrote:
I went to the dentist with a sore tooth today. Again, I have the typical choice: root canal or extraction. Two years ago, I went with the extraction because it was not only cheaper, but it was the rearmost tooth. This time, it's between two other teeth, so it will leave a large empty space. At 72 years of age, it's hard justifying $2,000 for one tooth, but having that large empty space isn't appealing, either. I could buy a fairly decent lens with that money.
Isn't it funny how we equate every expense to the cost of a new lens or body? I had the same situation recently, and all I could think about (other than the pain) was how I could have bought that 24-70 f2.8L AND probably a 7D2 for the same amount of money😩
TriX wrote:
Isn't it funny how we equate every expense to the cost of a new lens or body? I had the same situation recently, and all I could think about (other than the pain) was how I could have bought that 24-70 f2.8L AND probably a 7D2 for the same amount of money😩
Actually, I'm satisfied with my current gear - no buying on the horizon. Another alternative was an implant for about $3,000. I don't think a lump of gold that size would cost $3,000. I bought a nice used car for $3,000 and drove it for years.
ecobin wrote:
Get the root canal - oral health is as important as other parts of the body.
The root canals I got maybe 30 years ago are still in excellent condition, and they cost about $600 each. Yes, prices do rise.
Get the tooth. You probably already have more lenses than teeth!
Mark
jerryc41 wrote:
I went to the dentist with a sore tooth today. Again, I have the typical choice: root canal or extraction. Two years ago, I went with the extraction because it was not only cheaper, but it was the rearmost tooth. This time, it's between two other teeth, so it will leave a large empty space. At 72 years of age, it's hard justifying $2,000 for one tooth, but having that large empty space isn't appealing, either. I could buy a fairly decent lens with that money.
markngolf wrote:
Get the tooth. You probably already have more lenses than teeth!
Mark
I wish! Although, working that backwards, I'd hate to wind up with only six teeth.
At least you would know how to use them. LOL
jerryc41 wrote:
I wish! Although, working that backwards, I'd hate to wind up with only six teeth.
Most people our age are kinda grumpy and don't smile much anyway. Yank it and buy that lens.
I practiced pediatric dentistry for 30+ years in my private office, now semi-retired I work locum tenens. About the only experience I have with your type of problem is my own situation. First, what is the problem with the tooth? Does it have a large cavity, or an old large restoration, or a periodontal (gum) problem, or has the tooth given up to years of service and split, or cracked. If it has an old restoration, is it a gold restoration, silver restoration, or composite (plastic)? These are the things I would look at before deciding how to treat your situation. In my case, I had two upper molars, one on each side, that had cracked vertically, involving the root. I had root canal therapy on the first, and it failed after several years. I had a implant placed with a crown and it is vey acceptable. Several years later the other molar had the same problem, and I consulted a different endodontist about root canal therapy. He did not think this one would be treatable, so I had another extraction and implant placed. I am very happy with the implants, but it is not inexpensive. If you happen to have a copy of your X-ray, I would be happy to look at it and give you my opinion. If you are able to copy it on your computer, please send me a PM. Good luck.
Robert R wrote:
I practiced pediatric dentistry for 30+ years in my private office, now semi-retired I work locum tenens. About the only experience I have with your type of problem is my own situation. First, what is the problem with the tooth? Does it have a large cavity, or an old large restoration, or a periodontal (gum) problem, or has the tooth given up to years of service and split, or cracked. If it has an old restoration, is it a gold restoration, silver restoration, or composite (plastic)? These are the things I would look at before deciding how to treat your situation. In my case, I had two upper molars, one on each side, that had cracked vertically, involving the root. I had root canal therapy on the first, and it failed after several years. I had a implant placed with a crown and it is vey acceptable. Several years later the other molar had the same problem, and I consulted a different endodontist about root canal therapy. He did not think this one would be treatable, so I had another extraction and implant placed. I am very happy with the implants, but it is not inexpensive. If you happen to have a copy of your X-ray, I would be happy to look at it and give you my opinion. If you are able to copy it on your computer, please send me a PM. Good luck.
I practiced pediatric dentistry for 30+ years in m... (
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Thanks! The tooth is as old as I am, but it's not cracked, although it probably has fillings. The problem is down in the root area, and that's what was causing me pain. After talking to several people, including some in the medical business, I'm leaning toward the root canal. The price for the implant would be $3,255, out of the question, especially since two people I know had them and had problems.
jerryc41 wrote:
Thanks! The tooth is as old as I am, but it's not cracked, although it probably has fillings. The problem is down in the root area, and that's what was causing me pain. After talking to several people, including some in the medical business, I'm leaning toward the root canal. The price for the implant would be $3,255, out of the question, especially since two people I know had them and had problems.
Jerry, If your tooth is not cracked, root canal therapy should be successful. Be aware that you may need a crown on the tooth after the treatment. Best of luck.
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