Can i have an abscessed tooth extracted instead of a root canal? i have an abscessed molar that my dentist wants to do a root canal on. i'd rather just have it pulled. can i do that?

The : The answer is yes, but it is advisable to have the tooth replaced with a denture, bridge or dental implant soon after the extraction to prevent teeth shifting and causing bite problems later in life. Recommend that you discuss your treatment options with your dentist. Many times it is less expensive to have a root canal and crown that going through an extraction and restoration of the missing tooth.

The : The fact that your dentist wants to do a root canal makes me believe that he/she feels that it is restorable. If you have the tooth pulled you will need to have a replacement to avoid other problems. These replacements can be more complicated and more expensive than just having the root canal done and a cap placed.

Of : Of course you can do that. Although the success rate of root canal is excellent, the odds are better that the extraction will resolve the infection that the root canal will. However, depending on where that tooth is located and whether it is opposing another healthy tooth, you will probably need to replace it with a false tooth. Sometimes it is better to replace a tooth with an implant rather than be heroic in trying to save a tooth with a poor prognosis.

Of course: It is your choice, but understand all the consequences and options long-term before making decision. Preserve socket for implant, or get implant immediately, if you choose extraction. Oral surgeon can usually remove all infection and prepare implant site well below apex of tooth into solid healthy bone in the lower anterior jaw. See the specialists, whatever you choose.