My dentist will not whiten my teeth unless I get a root canal. My first molar needs a root canal, but I want my teeth whitened first. I even asked my dentist to extract the tooth and let’s move on to whitening, but she won’t do it. A root canal and crown cost more than I am ready to pay for right now. Even with dental insurance, my out-of-pocket cost will be almost $1,000. Don’t I have the right to get the treatment that I want? Abel from Charleston, WV
Abel,
Thank you for contacting us.
Dr. Szarek would need to examine your tooth and x-rays to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
What Are the Effects of First Molar Tooth Extraction?
If your dentist removes a first molar tooth as you wish, it will affect your chewing efficiency and bite. Without replacing the tooth, neighboring teeth will shift, creating the need for orthodontic treatment. Then, your dentist would rightly recommend replacing the tooth with a dental implant to prevent the misalignment of other teeth and the need for braces.
First Molar Root Canal Therapy
Saving your first molar with root canal treatment makes sense and costs less than extraction in the long term. We recommend talking to your dentist about the pros and cons of root canal versus tooth removal. If you have a tooth infection, prompt root canal treatment will prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or your jawbone. Your dentist can explain why you need root canal therapy if she has not already done so.
Get a Second Opinion
Remember that another dentist may agree with your current dentist that root canal treatment is the priority for your oral health. If you and your dentist cannot agree on treatment, you can consider getting a second opinion on your first molar tooth and teeth whitening options. Before your appointment, send a copy of your dental records and x-rays to the second opinion dentist.
Dentists commit to protecting your oral health. Many may not agree to a course of treatment that puts your oral health at risk. You may need to see another provider if you insist on your preferences. Although you have the right to the treatment you want, be sure that you understand how delaying a procedure affects your short- and long-term oral health.
Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.