Dead tooth, Leave or have extracted?
Discussion
Had some issues with one of my molars a few weeks back that coincided with some sinus issues. Dentist did some tests and declared that the tooth playing up had a dead nerve and was probably worth taking out to prevent future issues, he felt that root canal and having it capped had a lower chance of solving the issue. It’s an upper and the tooth in front of the wisdom tooth. It’s fine now and wondered if it was better to leave it in or have it extracted? Any dentists or knowledgeable people care to comment?
Thanks
Thanks
Can only respond as a partly-knowledgeable person I'm afraid.
As someone whose tooth fell out, after a series of treatments to keep something there over a number of years previously, I am having my knuckles well and truly rapped by my dentist (someone whose acquaintance I may have not made for several years recently admittedly)
Upshot is, by delaying action, my bone may have become weakened and I may need a bone graft (for an implant) so I have recently, rather sheepishly, had an extraction and am currently waiting for the gum to heal over.
I cannot say whether a graft would be needed if no implant, sorry (I did say I was only partly-knowledgeable) . But the clear instruction was to remove a decaying stump.
As someone whose tooth fell out, after a series of treatments to keep something there over a number of years previously, I am having my knuckles well and truly rapped by my dentist (someone whose acquaintance I may have not made for several years recently admittedly)
Upshot is, by delaying action, my bone may have become weakened and I may need a bone graft (for an implant) so I have recently, rather sheepishly, had an extraction and am currently waiting for the gum to heal over.
I cannot say whether a graft would be needed if no implant, sorry (I did say I was only partly-knowledgeable) . But the clear instruction was to remove a decaying stump.
If the tooth is non vital and without a root filling, you risk developing a dental abscess. It's difficult to predict if or when this will happen, but if it does you are likely to experience pain, possibly facial swelling and spreading infection. Sod's law suggests this will happen when you are unable to access the swift treatment you will be screaming for....See Tom Hanks in Castaway.
What was the reason for not doing the root canal or referring you for one?
Just spotted my appropriate month count
What was the reason for not doing the root canal or referring you for one?
Just spotted my appropriate month count
Edited by Rollin on Tuesday 31st January 20:32
Rollin said:
If the tooth is non vital and without a root filling, you risk developing a dental abscess. It's difficult to predict if or when this will happen, but if it does you are likely to experience pain, possibly facial swelling and spreading infection. Sod's law suggests this will happen when you are unable to access the swift treatment you will be screaming for....See Tom Hanks in Castaway.
What was the reason for not doing the root canal or referring you for one?
Just spotted my appropriate month count
He felt the root canal and subsequent requirement to cap the tooth wouldn’t have enough of a probability of fixing the issue as removing it. What was the reason for not doing the root canal or referring you for one?
Just spotted my appropriate month count
Edited by Rollin on Tuesday 31st January 20:32
Not easy to comment on s specific case but sinus problems can cause a tooth ache even though the tooth is not the problem. When the sinus problem clears up the tooth ache goes. If the nerve is dead on the tooth did they find out what caused the nerve to die. This could be decay, a fracture, trauma, a previous filling or crown to name a few. What tests did he do to establish the nerve was dead?
Even with these answers the decision to extract or try to save has to take other factors into account such as the way the teeth bite together, the condition of the teeth around it, how easy it is to clean, could it be crowned, are the canals a difficult shape, etc
Not just a simple decision in many cases.
Hope this helps but I fear it will just cause more questions.
Even with these answers the decision to extract or try to save has to take other factors into account such as the way the teeth bite together, the condition of the teeth around it, how easy it is to clean, could it be crowned, are the canals a difficult shape, etc
Not just a simple decision in many cases.
Hope this helps but I fear it will just cause more questions.
If I was told a tooth could cause me bother in the future I'd have it out in a heartbeat.
A couple of years ago I was in agonising pain over Christmas because I left a bad tooth, was such a relief when it was out. But, being me , the other tooth I was advised to have out that caused me a little discomfort every now and again I left because I wasn't overly keen on getting another extraction expecially when it was alright at the time.it came back in serious pain out of nowhere. Had it out the other week and couldn't thank the dentist enough
never putting it off again.
A couple of years ago I was in agonising pain over Christmas because I left a bad tooth, was such a relief when it was out. But, being me , the other tooth I was advised to have out that caused me a little discomfort every now and again I left because I wasn't overly keen on getting another extraction expecially when it was alright at the time.it came back in serious pain out of nowhere. Had it out the other week and couldn't thank the dentist enough
never putting it off again.Rhonda said:
Thanks all, I’ll get the pliers out then!
Before you do I fell out and chipped one of my front incisors killing the I've next to it. I got earned it might need out/capping/refilling etc in a few years. 30 years on its still there no different. I'd best get a visit to the dentist booked, that's jinxed it.
MickTravis665321 said:
What percentage of adults are registered with an NHS dentist? It's got to be under 1% right? It might as well not exist for the general population.
I doubt it's that low but know that is can't find one with space round here! E one I used to be with turned in to Bupa.Rollin said:
If the tooth is non vital and without a root filling, you risk developing a dental abscess. It's difficult to predict if or when this will happen, but if it does you are likely to experience pain, possibly facial swelling and spreading infection. Sod's law suggests this will happen when you are unable to access the swift treatment you will be screaming for....See Tom Hanks in Castaway.
What was the reason for not doing the root canal or referring you for one?
Just spotted my appropriate month count
This is pretty much what happened to me. Despite a root canal filling. What was the reason for not doing the root canal or referring you for one?
Just spotted my appropriate month count
Edited by Rollin on Tuesday 31st January 20:32
Strangely no pain, but disgusting.
When the tooth comes out, if you have any inclination towards an implant get it done as soon as healing permits. Sitting around leads to bone wastage, which leads to bone graft...
Ask me how I know.
MickTravis665321 said:
pocketspring said:
If you're NHS, having the tooth out won't cost a penny as it's regarded as an operation.
What percentage of adults are registered with an NHS dentist? It's got to be under 1% right? It might as well not exist for the general population.Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff