Should I try and save my tooth by going ahead with root canal treatment?

Q.
Dear Andrew,

I saw my dentist to-day who confirmed that I have a tooth abscess. I am taking antibiotics, the pain has been simply awful. It is a lower canine. My options are: root canal or extraction. The tooth itself has no decay. As I have advanced gum disease (I have regular hygiene treatment), the gum is quite receded and this particular tooth has grade 1 to grade2 mobility. Deep down, I don’t like to think of the possible loss of the tooth, I work diligently on my dental hygiene. Having said that, financially I would only be able to afford the root canal on the tooth and not a crown and I think of the possible future brittleness of the tooth, although a crown was not mentioned. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated. One moment I think – extraction – problem gone, the next I think, root canal – try to save the tooth. Long message, but thank you again Andrew.

A.
It depends on the severity of the abscess if it is as bad as it sounds you may need to consider removal as it sounds like a gum and tooth abscess
Dr Andrew Moore Advance Dental Clinic 104 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0JG Web: www.advancedentalclinic.com Tel: 08443 87 87 88 View My Profile Dr Moore

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