Help! Need Advice about my molar...

[mountainsun]

I have a back molar that already has a filling (amalgam) that now needs a root canal and crown. Well, my first instict is to just have it extracted since I do not think we can afford the root canal and crown But my dentist keeps telling me what an aweful decision that is becuase I am too young to lose that tooth and blah blah. When I really started thinking about root canal vs. extraction, it hit me that that existing filling will be an issue...I am still nursing ds and hope to ttc soon.....and now, I just don't know what to do - the mercury exposure really scares the crap out pf me, so my gut me to just have it pulled - is that safe, re: the mercury??? Anyone have any advice, I would really appreciate it! I am just at a loss..........arg!

[Shiloh]

Honestly if I were you and so afraid of the mercury and breastfeeding - also rootcanals and crowns can still cause issues and I think they still use amalgum underneath the crown..unless its gold.

Why not get the tooth pulled and get an implant? It would give you longer time to 'pay' for the tooth. As its extracted then like 6 months later they put in the screw post, and once that has cemented they put in the screw in tooth...

And if you are really not convinced - get a second opinion on it.

[JBaxter]

From what I remember the last dentist I worked for used composit to do the crown build up and the implant would cost as much or more and it is not always possible in some locations ( such as not enough bone between the sinus or thickness of the jaw) It isnt usually advisable but you can wait a period of time between the rootcanal and the crown. That depends on how much tooth structure is left. The rootcanal will make the tooth more brittle. so you have to be ultra careful.

[mountainsun]

Thanks for your responses...I guess at this point I am pretty sure that I will have it pulled - does anyone know if there are any risks associated with getting a tooth w/ an amalgam fillling pulled?????
Thanks again ladies