Does my tooth really need to be extracted?

Question

I went to the dentist a week ago because of a severe toothache. He told me that one of my molars needs to be extracted, because it had some mobility (which meant I had lost bone). I have a copy of the x-ray, and there doesn't seem to be any less bone around the tooth, and I can't see anything wrong with the tooth in the x-ray (although there is a small dark hole on the edge of the tooth). (A friend of mine who had a tooth extracted saw in her x-ray a loss of bone and decay of the tooth.)

Does this tooth really need to be extracted? Does mobility alone warrant the extraction? The pain is gone after taking anti-biotics, so I think the pain was caused by an infection. (Does an infection indicate tooth decay or anything else that warrants extraction of the tooth?) Should I have the tooth extracted or get a second opinion?

My insurance doesn't cover anything. And I know getting a bridge after an extraction could be the biggest expense.

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

Take that copy of your xray and get a second opinion.The tooth had an infection,yes,but it still is loose,you may have to get it extracted for the simple fact is if it comes out on its own,all of the roots may not come out with it,and then you have bigger problem.

Answer 3

you do need to have the tooth extracted. the antibiotics helped because you had an abscess and the medicine killed of the bacteria causing that. The abscess will only come back, unless you have the tooth pulled. most dentists know that some people do not have dental insurance or very minimal insurance so see if you can get on a payment plan. I had all of my wisdom teeth pulled so I know what the pain of keeping them in feels like. If I were you I would not put this off.  

Answer 4

I think it will be a waste of time and money to perform a root canal on a tooth with bone loss.The tooth will not last.Extract it before it becomes a bigger problem.