There is a large hole in one of my upper left molars. I have dental insurance but it is very limited in what it covers. I don’t have the cash it will take to get a root canal and crown. I saw one dentist who won’t pull the tooth because she said it can be saved with no problem. Will I be able to find a dentist who will pull the tooth so I can be done with it? Duane
Duane – Yes, you can find a dentist who will extract the tooth. But you can also find a dentist who will give you options for affordable care with a root canal treatment and dental crown.
It is true that an extraction will be less expensive than a root canal treatment and crown, but the dentist whom you saw wants to preserve your tooth and is thinking of your long-term oral health. In time, your jawbone will shrink beneath the space where your tooth is missing. Teeth in the vicinity of the missing one will begin to drift toward the empty space. Your teeth will become misaligned, and you may experience problems with your bite.
Before you choose to have your tooth extracted, think about the consequences and whether or not you are willing to accept them. Most dentists are willing to work with your budget so you can receive the dental care you need. At times, dental work can be done in stages to help you avoid a large bill for all of the procedures you need. Payment plans may be available to help you pay for treatment over time.
Most people don’t like the idea of even short-term debt for dental treatment. But when you think of preserving a tooth for your long-term oral health, it can be well worth it.
This pot is sponsored by Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Collins.