Ive a decay under the mid left lower tooth is there any other option other than extraction
Q. Hi, I have decay deep under the mid left lower tooth caused by biting into food and it remaining trapped. An xray was taken showing the shadow. My dentist has stated that extraction is the only answer as it would be impossible to seal as it’s below the gum line and moisture would disolve any works. She suggests a denture. Implants are out of the question due to the expense. She has done excellent root canal work on the other side of my mouth so this work does not faze her. She said this would not be an option in this case. Can you suggest something? I am loath to remove a healthy tooth that I tend to bite on. I do not have any lower back teeth on that side so its important that I try to keep it. I am on anti biotics in the meantime. Thank you. Regards
A. Your dentsit is right in what she has told you. If the deacy has travelled to below the gum line- then Root canal work and a crown would not be an option. The crown will not have a good seal on it- and it would be pointless. A denture IS an option to replace the gap. You could also consider a bridge- but you need to be aware that the teeth on either side have to be prepared down to fir the false tooth in the middle. This may compromise the health of these teeth in the future. A dental implant would be the best option as it would be a tooth in it’s own right. There are practices that can offer a payment scheme if this is something that you would like to look in to. Antibiotics are only suitable for a short period of time, and the tooth will need to be extractes ASAP. Leaving an infected tooth in situe is not good for your system. Good luck, and I hope you make the right decision.
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