Baton Rouge Dentist

Why Can’t I Get a Root Canal Instead of an Extraction?

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Half my tooth broke off in a crown I got 20 years ago. My dentist said the tooth was infected, and there was a pus sac at the base of the tooth. My dentist says he needs to extract the tooth. Why won’t root canal treatment work? – Thanks. Tyree from GA

 

Tyree,

Your dentist may be correct, but some dentists are eager to extract teeth unnecessarily. Your dentist should have explained why root canal treatment wouldn’t work. So, you can ask or dentist or get a second opinion from another dentist to see if the tooth is savable.

When Might Tooth Extraction Be Necessary?

Tooth extraction may be necessary when the tooth is so decayed that insufficient structure is left to restore it. Perhaps a tooth has been missing for so long that the teeth on either side have drifted into the space, and there isn’t room to restore the tooth.

Saving and restoring teeth is hard work; sometimes, a dentist may fail. Look for a dentist with experience in root canal treatment or find an endodontist (root canal specialist) to determine whether your tooth is savable and what treatment is required to do it. Otherwise, you may get a recommendation for an extraction and dental implant.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Read how he strives to provide some of the best dentistry in Baton Rouge.

My dentist seems afraid to extract my tooth

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Man holding face in pain and needng an affordable dentist for root canal treatmentIn 2019, my upper first molar tooth broke two after the filling came out. The pain increased, so I went to a dentist who did a root canal on the tooth. I still had some pain in the tooth on and off, but I was afraid to see a dentist, and since the dentist did not follow up with me, I left the matter alone. So that’s how I got to the temporary filling falling out. Two weeks ago, I went to a new dentist that my coworker recommended. My coworker likes the dentist’s patient care, and she has lower fees than most dentists in our area. The dentist said that repeating a root canal is too invasive and prefers to remove the tooth. She told me that the extraction might include removing some bone. She seemed a bit hesitant or afraid about extracting my tooth. The other option she gave me is to see an oral surgeon who can extract the tooth under anesthesia. Which option should I choose? Thank you. Dylan from SC

 

Dylan,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Perry would need to examine your tooth and x-rays for an accurate diagnosis. But your new dentist may be uncomfortable with the complexity of the extraction. Or, your dentist may think that the experience could be traumatic for you.

You have had bad dental experiences in the past. Even after the root canal issue, your anxiety kept you away from the dentist. So perhaps an extraction under anesthesia is a good idea for you. Millions of people have dental anxiety that prevents them from getting proper care. If your dentist attempts the extraction and it is unusually uncomfortable for you, the experience will add to your stress.

What to Ask If Your Dentist Is Hesitant About Tooth Extraction

If your dentist is hesitant about tooth extraction, you can talk with them to help you decide your course of treatment. We recommend that you speak to your new dentist about her comfort level with your tooth extractions. You can apply these questions to almost any procedure your dentist is hesitant about:

  • How many extractions like this have you performed?
  • What form of sedation will you use for the procedure?
  • Do you think removing the tooth might be traumatic for me due to the condition of my tooth roots?
  • Do you expect complications?

Although it sounds like your dentist is honest about what you can expect with the extraction, it might help to ask a few more questions. And you mentioned that your dentist makes your treatment affordable. Although you may have found a knowledgeable dentist, please do not let low fees alone determine who will extract your teeth. Ensure your dentist has training and experience to make your experience pleasant. You can also schedule a consultation with the oral surgeon and get their opinion.

 

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.