Save or extract my molar?
I have a broken molar, the last one on the bottom right side. My gum is very swollen and I have an infection. I’m on antibiotics. I’m also 6 months pregnant. Dr. says molar is still able to be saved. My question is how is the root canal procedure, how painful, how long, and what’s recovery time? I’m in excruciating pain right now and would hate for the root canal to fail and end up getting more work done on it. What would be the pros and cons on just extracting the molar and getting an implant? Thank you for your time and input.
2 Comments on Save or extract my molar?
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David E. Azar DDS
11/25/2015
Considering that you are pregnant I would guess that you are under 40 years old. In that case if the molar can be saved that is what I generally recommend. And I should point out that I personally perform several implants each months that replace failed root canal teeth. While I agree that implants offer a GREAT option that can last a lifetime, they may not. Then you are faced with removing a failing implant and replacing it, which can be a big deal. Yes teeth treated with root canal therapy do have a chance to fail and then would need to be replaced with an implant, but in patients of a relatively young age saving the tooth (if it can be done properly) is what I usually recommend. If you get 10 to 15 additional years (btw you may get more!) from that tooth I believe it is a worthwhile investment. Hope that is helpful Dr David E Azar
Dr. Carlos Boudet
11/25/2015
A root cana procedure is not painful since it is done with local anesthesia.
If you have waited until the tooth is abcessed and swollen, it is harder to do painlessly.
If it was my molar and the tooth could be saved and restored to an adequate condition, I would try the root canal first, even though I can afford the implant.
Implants are a great alternative when a root canal is not a good choice.
Only the dentist that sees the condition of the molar can make that determination.
I hope this helps you with your decision.Dr. Carlos Boudet
