I don’t like going to the dentist, but I’ve had the worst toothache with the fourth tooth from my front tooth. I went in and wanted him to just knock me out and take out the tooth, but he said he wants to do a root canal treatment and a crown. That’s way more dental work than I want. Can’t we just extract it? I left with nothing but a prescription for some pain killers. What do I do now?
Dena
Dear Dena,
I am sure if you are dead set on having the tooth extracted, you will be able to find a dentist to do it. The dentist you went to was trying to give you the best treatment. That means he is trying to save your tooth. However, let’s say you extract the tooth. Now you have an empty space. If you don’t fill it the other teeth will shift and tip into the empty space. In turn, this will throw your bite off, which in turn can lead to some other issues, such as TMJ.
However, let’s say instead of all those problems, you decide to replace the missing tooth. The best tooth replacement, a dental implant, will require surgery and a dental crown. Or, if you want a replacement which doesn’t require surgery, you can get a dental bridge. Though, this requires filling down the two adjacent teeth in order to suspend a false tooth between them.
As you can see, your original dentist’s suggestion was the best one. Though, it is your tooth and your decision.
I am going to suggest you not put off whatever treatment you do decide on. The reason for that is if your dentist is suggesting a root canal treatment, that means there is a tooth infection. The reason these type of infections are called dental emergencies is because these infections spread but can only be dealt with by physically removing the infection.
If you think about how close your teeth are to your brain, heart, and lungs, you can see why you don’t want this to spread.
A Word about Dental Anxiety
You mentioned you don’t like going to the dentist. I totally get that. I even know dentists who get nervous in the dental chair. Though, I think that has more to do about not being the one in control. I’m going to suggest you start seeing a dentist who offers dental sedation options.
These dentists understand anxiety and know how to help patients get a pain-free anxiety-free appointment. It will change your life.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.