Root Canal or Tooth Extraction?

I'm sure this has been asked a million times over but I'm just so annoyed right now. For personal reasons, I have no dental insurance so I'm paying out of pocket for whatever I choose. I went to the dentist today because for months I've been having a toothache that I *thought* were wisdom teeth coming in. I had my wisdom teeth taken out only to realize it's a freaking cavity that's now reached the root. So the options given to me were to have the tooth extracted which would only be a bit over $100 or to have a root canal and crown, which is over $2,000. I can't pay for the root canal but I'm not sure if I want to lose my tooth. It's sounds stupid, I know.





Should I just have the tooth taken out because it's cheapest? It's the back tooth, last before the wisdom teeth. Would it be bad to have it out?





I hate the stupid health care in this country. U. S. of freaking A. whatever.





Thanks in advance for all helpful and respectful replies.

Root Canal or Tooth Extraction?
I don't have insurance either, yet I recommend checking around with other dentists for a better price on the root canal and crown. When there are spaces between your teeth the rest of them start to shift around as you chew etc.


Even though it's not seen being in the back, you will likely need it for eating and the shape of your face needs those teeth too.


But $2000 is really high for one root canal and crown. I've had 5 root canals with crowns and have three bridges (including extractions) for @ $8000. Worked out a payment plan with the dentist I did.





Good luck to ya whatever you decide.
Reply:root canals aren't a guarntee to keep that tooth anyway. You can get the root canal and in a year, you may need to pull the tooth anyway. the root canal only delays the inevitable.
Reply:well, if you don't mind losing a tooth and the pain goes away, then I would definitely lose the tooth than pay two thousand. But, in the end its all up to you.
Reply:If you can have a root canal, you should get a root canal and crown, and take good care of your teeth. I have a 'chronic zinc deficiency' and have had two heart attacks and I can't have root canals (they've tried, they never take because of the 'metal post' that my bone grows AWAY from, instead of growing around), and I am now currently toothless and waiting to get my dentures. Yes, dental care is very expensive, but if you can't afford a root canal, call your local public health office, and see if you can't get a root canal done for less there. They do EXCELLENT work!
Reply:Honestly, you probably want to go with the root canal to try and save the tooth. But I do understand, the cost issue too!!! I recently had a root canal, done and it wasn't as bad as I thought. I'm glad I went through with it and didn't have my tooth pulled. Feel free to call me, I can give you info on a way you can actually save on any dental procedures, cheap!!!


Send me a private message. My sign on is CONYERS!!! I hope this helps. Save the tooth!!!!
Reply:Since you don't have dental coverage, as many people in this world do not; you should check into having the work done at a local teaching hospital or dental college.





You can have either procedure done for a much less expensive price, as there are students who are in training, working with licensed dentists and they have to train on patients.





You do not want to deal with having the infection travel through your blood stream and glandular system, which can cause other health problems including heart problems. The removal of the tooth is most likely only putting off the inevitable which is the root canal.





Waiting will only make the infection spread and become more dangerous.





Good luck, I hope you get this taken care of soon.
Reply:You always want to try and save a tooth if at all possible. Even though it is cheaper to remove the tooth now, in the long run it will cost you. Dental insurance is not that great anyway, the maximums are too low and deductables too high.


My advice to you is, try and save the tooth, you will be happy that you did. Good luck to you.
Reply:if it's that much of a worry for you, just have it pulled. most people i have known who had root canals eventually needed the tooth pulled anyway.