Two years ago one of my fillings came out and my tooth broke in half. I ignored it for a while, but it just got too painful. I had a root canal treatment done, though I never went back for the rechecks and follow-up appointments to know if it was successful. I never had a porcelain crown put on, and the temporary filling eventually fell out. Now the tooth is infected again.
I saw a dentist who said that the remains of the tooth have to be taken out. She also said that the extraction will be “quite invasive” and that because of my dental anxiety I may want to consider having an oral surgeon do the work under anesthesia. She also offered to do the work herself, but only under a local anesthetic.
I don’t have a lot of money, and the oral surgeon is a lot more expensive. But I already messed up by trying to cut corners, and I don’t want to go through this again. Generally speaking, are regular dentists qualified to perform this kind of extraction?
Thanks for your advice.
Samantha in Peachtree, GA
Dear Samantha,
From the sounds of things, you need to question your dentist more closely about her comfort level and training in performing this kind of extraction. She may be outside her comfort zone, or concerned that the procedure will further traumatize you. You are smart to look beyond cost to make this decision.
If at all possible, you may want to strongly consider going with the oral surgeon. Your dental anxiety has already cost you a great deal in pain, time, and money. If you have another bad experience with this extraction, your anxiety and fear will increase.
This blog post sponsored by Mesa dentist Dr. Stapley.
