Is this an obvious 2nd molar(18) extraction? (photo)

Question

What is the red flag here? The fact that the lost chunk appears to extend below the bone line, and into the pulp? The tooth has caused pain (up to 10 Advil a day.) I've seen two dentists about this. The first singled this out for extraction without any real explanation. The second said a root canal and restoration could be attempted but would be expensive and more than likely to fail.

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

I would never remove that tooth based on the information provided.  If there is no pain on biting it may be possible to avoid root canal as well with pulp cap and crown build-up.  The fracture will give the illusion of more severe decay.

Emery Cole, DMD, FAGD · Answer

This should be a routine root canal, crown build up filling and a crown on #18 without loss.  The tooth in front seems to also need a build up filling and crown but probably no root canal.  The decision to save the tooth or loose the tooth is YOURS and the dentists should give you advantages and disadvantages to options along with costs so YOU can make the right decision for YOU.Every dentist is an individual with individual experiences and abilities.  The good news is that you can always get another opinion to help your overall decision.

Amber Garcia, DDS · Answer

I would probably suggest an extraction. All of the decay would need to be removed before definitively determining if the tooth is salvageable or not, but you can usually expect decay to extend further than it appears on an xray.

Is this an obvious 2nd molar(18) extraction? (photo)

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Is this an obvious 2nd molar(18) extraction? (photo)

Answers (3)

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