Hi. I’ve got a tooth that is badly decayed. How do you know when to remove it and get an implant, or just do a root canal and a crown. My dentist wants to do an implant, but I would rather keep my tooth.

Thanks, John

 

John,

I’m sorry about your tooth. My feeling is it would depend on how decayed the tooth is. If the tooth can be saved, that is almost always the best option, and yes, you could do a root canal/crown.  If, however, it is very badly decayed, then saving it isn’t an option, and an implant or a dental bridge would be good options. For that to be the case the decay would have to go all the way through the tooth to the underside. Other than that, I think your tooth could be saved. Perhaps it would be a good idea to get a second opinion.

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