Q.
I have had root canal treatment in a lower molar twice over the past 10 years. About a year ago it became infected and my dentist suggested that I try to save the tooth by going to an endodontist. I didn’t have the money for the treatment so didn’t follow go ahead with it. The infection/pain came back every month or so but I learnt that if I managed th pain with painkillers it would generally pass within a week or so. Now though, I am in pain every other week. I really need some advice on what to do. I am hesitent to invest in endodontist treatment when there is such a high risk that it won’t work (I’ve had root canal twice already and the year-long infection furthe rlowers thesuccess rate). I am thinking it would be more sensible to have the tooth removed but I dont know what the options are for replacement. A crown will weaken the adjacent teeth right? So are my only other options an implant or denture? Do you agree that my chances of root canal working now are lower? which type of tooth replacement would you suggest? If I were to find a NHS dentist, could they do any of this work? I take it that once the tooth is removed, all problems of infection in the root will also be resolved? I hope you can advise. Thanks