I’m retired and my teeth are starting to act up. Most of it isn’t new problems, but old ones needing help. Several fillings need to be replaced. I have an upper first and second molar that need dental crowns because they are cracked. My fear is that I’m going to need a root canal treatment after getting these crowns. Then, I’ve been told that root canals often fail. Would I be better off just extracting those teeth rather than dealing with all these new possibilities? I don’t want to spend the rest of my life at the dentist.
Maeve
Dear Maeve,
I can tell you are very worried about this. You didn’t mention anything about the two upper molars that needed dental crowns hurting or having some kind of infection. If that isn’t the case then there isn’t any reason for them to need a root canal treatment. Even if they did, that doesn’t mean the root canals will fail. I don’t know who told you that most of them fail. That is not the case. While some fail, it is definitely not the majority. Only about 3-10 percent.
On the off chance that you needed one, which it doesn’t sound like you did, then you should be fine. If you’re worried, then going to a root canal specialist will make your chances even better.
If you extract the teeth, they would need to be replaced. If you don’t, then your other teeth will eventually drift or tip into the empty space, which will throw off your bite. That will lead to jaw pain, headaches, and even TMJ Disorder. Until they do drift, you’ll be stuck eating from one side of your mouth which won’t be pleasant.
You could replace them with dental implants, which is the best tooth replacement there is. While replacing the teeth will solve those problems, they are expensive and require surgery.
I haven’t examined you, but nothing you’ve said sounds like you’ll need anything but the dental crowns. I would stick with the treatment your dentist suggests.
This blog is brought to you by a gentle dentist in Kalamazoo, Dr. Susan Dennis.