Will I Regret Not Getting a Tooth Extraction and Dental Implant?
I had a root canal in 2020 without any problems until now. The tooth has hurt on and off for the past month, but now it’s starting to throb. I am afraid that I will need an extraction. Is it worth repeating a root canal, or would I regret not getting an extraction and a dental implant? – Thanks. Elias
Elias
Root canal failure can be frustrating and painful. It happens when a tooth doesn’t heal completely after a root canal treatment, leading to recurring symptoms. Your symptoms may be the result of root canal failure.
What Causes Root Canal Failure?
A hidden tooth infection or curvy tooth roots can contribute to root canal failure:
- Hidden infection: It can be challenging for a dentist to remove all the infection from a tooth’s complex root canals. Even a tiny amount of remaining bacteria can cause problems later.
- Curved or branching roots: These can make it hard to reach and clean all areas of the tooth.
What Are the Treatment Options for Root Canal Failure?
The treatment options for root canal failure are retreatment, root canal surgery, or extraction and a dental implant for an unsavable tooth.
- Retreatment: A dentist can attempt to clean the infected area and seal it again.
- Root canal surgery: A dentist or specialist must access the tip of a tooth near the gumline and through the bone to remove the infection. An endodontist (root canal specialist) typically performs this procedure (apicoectomy).
- Extraction for tooth fracture or an unsavable tooth: A crack in the tooth can also lead to pain and infection. Unfortunately, saving a tooth with a severe fracture can be challenging.
See a dentist with extensive root canal treatment experience or an endodontist to discuss your options.
Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist sponsors this post.
Should I Get a Root Canal or an Extraction?
I need a root canal or extraction and implant for my lower right first molar. The tooth behind it is missing, too. I can only afford to replace one tooth at a time, so I am replacing the one that shows the most when I smile. My dentist gave me the option of a root canal or an implant. I am a little concerned about the root canal, and if something goes wrong, I will need an implant anyway. Which option makes sense? Peter from Orange, NJ
Peter,
Thank you for your question.
Dr. Michalski would need to examine your tooth and x-ray to explain precise treatment options, but we will explain some basic principles for saving or replacing missing teeth.
Root Canal or Extraction?
Saving a natural tooth with root canal treatment makes sense. Your tooth will need a crown to protect it. The American Association of Endodontics (root canal specialists) recommends that you choose root canal treatment over an extraction and dental implant whenever the tooth is savable. Root canal procedures have a 97 percent success rate. Also, when you are missing molar teeth and do not try to save or replace them, you will have difficulty chewing food well enough to digest it properly.
Although a dental implant is a safe, predictable way to replace a tooth, no form of tooth replacement is better than a natural tooth.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
Root canal therapy is not painful when you select an experienced dentist for treatment. A gentle dentist will take these steps to ensure you are comfortable:
- Explain options for sedation before your procedure date if you have dental anxiety
- Apply a local anesthetic to prevent you from feeling the numbing injection
- Numb the root canal tooth
- Remove the infected tooth pulp, sanitize the tooth, and fill it with a dental material
- Explain how to minimize your discomfort with medication at home
Schedule a Second Opinion
We recommend scheduling a second opinion with an experienced dentist to discuss your options. Eventually, you will need an exam and x-rays to assess your oral health and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, sponsors this post.