To keep or not to keep

[The Mad Monk]

Yeah, I had a molar that had a narrow, deep cavity on top. That one was able to get by with just a filling after the root canal for five years.

[-Jrabbit]

Dentistry is one part of the body that NEVER improves on its own. It only gets worse, and more expensive, if you put it off.

[Elok]

You neglected to mention which tooth it is. A missing molar won't look too bad, but if it's an incisor or bicuspid you'll look like you belong in overalls blowing on a jug at a hoedown.

...what? These are important considerations too.

[Dinner]

He could get some grillz.

[chequita guevara]

Get the root canal and get a temporary cap.

[Japher]

temp cap

I've had 4 root canals and have one implant in which I got dry socket. The implant cost $4k and took a long time, but I had no choice. Have them do the root canal and get a temp cap. Once a root canal is done it's done. Also, the give you antibiotics to help with the infection. Just keep an eye on it and if it feels infected see your doc immediately to get antibiotics.

I feel your pain, both in empathy and in the pocket book

[ZEE]

pics?

He could get some grillz.

much bettar thrade is saved

[The Mad Monk]

They'll probably also give you Tylenol 3 or somesuch for pain; I never had any real pain, so I saved them for my migraines.

[Docfeelgood]

Kinda funny, what other part of the body has to be washed twice a day or will become decayed and then maybe cut off?

[snoopy369]

I say we take our brightest physicists, chemists, and biologists, and lock them in a room. Tell them they can't come out until they design an inexpensive yet perfect solution to dentistry, that guarantees perfect teeth with minimal maintenance for life.

Then we give them 24/7 security to protect them from ADA members.

[Theben]

Tie string to doorknob, other end to tooth. Have friend close door.

[GePap]

To begin answering questions:

The tooth in question is my lower left back molar, so comestically speaking, pulling it isn't an issue. Also thankfully it would only affect two teeh, the matching one on the upper jaw, and the adjacent molar.

The tooth has a crack down the whole length of the top (I have no clue what I even did to cause that), so I don't know if no cap is an option.

I am on antibiotics to fight infection as is, though I have a short nine day prescription, and by now the pain has died down to a level that regular tylenol suffices.Though I can't chew normally, which is a huge pain in the ass for me.

As for price, yeah. NY is expensive, though I am now in Albany, not NYC - and the reason I am up here is because I am no longer investigating police complainst, but now work for a member of the most ridiculed legislative body in the country, the NYS Senate (which I may add has horrible benefits - my old job you got dental coverage after the first paycheck).

I would have to wait until the 16th to get a root canal moneywise, and a cap isn't even in the picture for many months after that. I could have the money to get it pulled out by next thursday.... but my mind is still not set.

My luck that the five dentists in my family are all in Panama.....

[SlowwHand]

Pull it.

[Impaler[WrG]]

Bumber of a situation GePap, hope this works out ok for you in the end, keep us up to date as the situation develops.

P.S. I have no dental advice what-so-ever as teeth are great

[The Mad Monk]

Whatever dentist you settle on, talk about your insurance problems with them; they may be able to arrange matters accordingly.