False Teeth Vs. Root Canal
Root canals can be a wise choice is some cases. But, in other cases, it might be wise to pull one or more teeth to eradicate potential bacteria or infection. A partial plate, bridge work, implants, or a full set of false teeth offer alternative choices. Weakened gum tissue, soft or deteriorated bone tissue, and other issues can dictate the decision to forego a root canal.
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Overall Health and Health of the Mouth
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An individual with healthy gums, strong tissue surrounding healthy teeth, and a good immune system can easily tolerate a root canal. This procedure allows the dentist to kill the nerve root coming into the tooth, so that pain will not be a future problem. The tooth can be capped and function well as a normal biting surface.
Cost Is a Consideration
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A patient with weakening tooth root tissue might need to invest several thousand dollars to restore teeth by having several root canals. Because of the more affordable cost of dentures or a partial plate of false teeth, a patient might decide on false teeth due to affordability alone. Cost of a full set of dentures is $900-$2,500. Cost of a partial is $1,000 or more. Implants cost upwards of $2,500, while a root canal is roughly $800-$1,200 per tooth.
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False Teeth Require Maintenance
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A full set of false teeth can have these problems: difficulty with speaking and eating, food collecting under dentures, loose dentures, need for adhesives, shrinkage of bone tissue in the jawline, shrinkage of gums, and expenses in relines and remakes. Patients need to wait six months to avoid remakes and relines after teeth are pulled. Having false teeth made six-eight weeks after all teeth are extracted practically guarantees additional work that can range from $200-$2,500. All false teeth require refittings and adjustments in structuring each and every year.
A Root Canal Should Last Over Time
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If the base of the tooth's root system is weak, a reputable dentist would offer to pull the tooth versus charging for a root canal that won't last. A single-tooth implant, which involves screwing a false tooth into the bone, or the option of bridgework, can come later. Bridgework consists of one or more false teeth connected to one or more healthy teeth, usually via a cap and/or metal clasps. Cost of bridgework or a single-tooth implant is a minimum of $2,500.
A Partial Plate Might be Workable
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If a patient declines root canals, he may need several teeth in a row pulled. A dentist can install a row of false teeth known as a "partial plate." This can be positioned over just one healthy tooth to anchor it. A partial is removeable for cleaning. If placed in certain areas of the mouth, at least two metal clasps are required, or a device called a precision attachment may be used. A precision attachment is almost invisible.
Issues with Bridges and Implants
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Consider that candidates for implants must have adequate jaw bone tissue. This factor alone is major in determining if implants are an option. Bridgework has unique considerations as well. In most cases, bridges are false teeth fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by one or more missing teeth. The two anchor teeth must be healthy enough to accommodate the crowns.
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