Health & Family Root canal or dental implant, lucky me!

I just went to the dentist and found out that the tooth that I had a root canal done on nearly twenty years ago has an infection. I either have to have root canal redone (which is the best-case scenario) for around $3000, or if it has a fractured root, the tooth has to come out, a bone graft has to be done and it will take four months to heal, before an implant can go in. The second option will cost over $6000.

How has this information made me feel? A little bit worried, but also overwhelmingly lucky!
How lucky am I that I can just see this as an inconvenience and not worry about the money!
Don't get me wrong, $6k is still a significant amount of money to me, but it's in no way life changing. Whether I have to spend it or not as virtually no impact on the trajectory of my life.
I'm very grateful to be in that position!

 

I went to the dentist earlier this year, having not been for, err, a while. My teeth were fine.

However, I decided to get braces to straighten everything up ($9,600), and I am getting my wisdom teeth removed ($2,000), so it sounds like you had a cheaper deal there!

 

Did you ask him if the works would be bluetooth compatible?

 

Well, the current one is black tooth compatible, so I hope technology has improved in the last two decades.

 

I would go the implant. Even if you redo the root canal in 20 years you might be up for an implant anyway.

 

I had an infection in a back tooth a couple of years ago, endodentist performed a root canal [nearly had a heart attack at the price] and now have a crown which is fine. All up cost me just over $4,000.

 

For anyone having a sore tooth, don't "let" the dentist "investigate" !

They often can't fix the tooth (and the cost's and visits grow)...
An Endodentist will cost more to see, but you will receive far better advice at the beginning

I had the crook tooth ripped out (on 2 occasions, both rear teeth), no bone grafts but seem to have healed up ok

I'd intended to go OS to have the implants done and all my fillings replaced, a 10 day holiday with denatl work for 60% of the cost in Syd, but Covid

*many OS dentists specialize in dental holidays, and often they trained and practiced in Australia/America before going back "home" to their family and community to "give back"

 

Do you really need the tooth? I just had a back one ripped out that was cracked. Hubby was devastated on my decision. I got dry socket after which was horrible and I thought the dentist took out the wrong tooth. Pretty stressed for a few days while dentist was on leave and I couldn't ask him questions!

 

I asked my dentist what's best for my yellow stained teeth. He told me to wear a brown neck tie

I mentioned before I reckon gold teeth are the go.

 

I just love your sense of humour ... dont ever leave this forum ...

 

I had most of my back teeth removed when I was younger. Was given no alternatives back then, & even if I had, I couldn't have afforded to pay for it. Front teeth thankfully have been fine, but recently a side one broke & the dentist asked if I wanted to keep it. I was given the choice of a crown which might not last long, as what remains is full of cracks, or an implant. When I asked which he'd choose, his reply was that he wouldn't have lost the back teeth in the first place. Thanks, not helpful.

So, I've still got to book, but looks like an implant & seeing if they can do something with the back of my mouth at the same time.

 

I assume no one with private insurance? I am debating if doing it or not!

 

Just do it! It'll be a month or so of discomfort and likely a low five-figure cost, but after that, you'll have a full set of working teeth for the rest of your life!

I believe not having teeth is bad for the jawbone, in the long run.

 

It's expensive but see the endodentist first, mine was excellent and gave good advice and different scenarios and cost ...

 

OK, I've never heard of an endodentist. Have to look that up.

 

I intend to.....just a lot of stuff going on at the moment.

 

My usual dentist referred me, and sent all my x-rays etc on to endodentist.
An endodentist is a highly trained specialist dentist, that's why they are so expensive

 

Aha, my dentist just gave me a referal to someone who does implants.

 

I'd go overseas and get an implant for 20-30% what the rip off dentists in Oz charge

 

In theory, yes, but I’m not sure how soon people will be allowed to go overseas though.