cracked tooth treatment options

[Amethyst]

Simplegirl,

I just now came across your thread. Did you go to the dentist and find out more about what's going on?

Teeth and jaws are so individual. For example, I cracked a molar root when I was only 38; dentist said the root could be repaired, and referred me to an endodontist; endodontist advised extraction and implant. My husband had a successful implant done by the same endodontist, so, I went ahead and had the extraction. I wish I had gone for the root repair, and saved my tooth! When I went in for the implant, lo and behold, suddenly "You don't have enough jawbone to support an implant; we're going to have to give you a bridge." So two perfectly good teeth were destroyed, and I have a bridge which I hate, and which will eventually fail and have to be replaced by a denture.

The moral? Get several opinions! And if you're a woman, your jawbone may not be as sturdy as a man's, so don't judge what's right for you, by what worked for a man.

[simple girl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amethyst Simplegirl, I just now came across your thread. Did you go to the dentist and find out more about what's going on? Teeth and jaws are so individual. For example, I cracked a molar root when I was only 38; dentist said the root could be repaired, and referred me to an endodontist; endodontist advised extraction and implant. My husband had a successful implant done by the same endodontist, so, I went ahead and had the extraction. I wish I had gone for the root repair, and saved my tooth! When I went in for the implant, lo and behold, suddenly "You don't have enough jawbone to support an implant; we're going to have to give you a bridge." So two perfectly good teeth were destroyed, and I have a bridge which I hate, and which will eventually fail and have to be replaced by a denture. The moral? Get several opinions! And if you're a woman, your jawbone may not be as sturdy as a man's, so don't judge what's right for you, by what worked for a man.

Yikes, good advice. I did find an endodontist that appears to be well qualified (after a lengthy web search). He is about an hour away, so I will go first for a consultation and see what he says. Hopefully we can try a re-treatment of the root canal. If he recommends extraction and implant or a bridge, I will get a second opinion for sure. I'm learning that I will be better off if I can save the tooth. Wish me luck!!!!