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Dentistry/Wisdom Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal Treatment

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Question
QUESTION: Dear Sir,
I had a severe pain in my lower corner tooth(wisdom tooth) 15 days back. I had a wisdom tooth since birth and it is as good as other tooth are. I consulted my dentist, she told that I need to go either through extraction or root canal with a cap treatment as it has a huge cavity..Both treatment can easily b done with my wisdom tooth(as she said).

So my question is what is ur suggestion? which option I should go for?
As I heard that Root canal is a painful process and leave many aftereffects and at least it can b avoided for the wisdom tooth, Coz this is a uselss tooth in our mouth. Although I want to save my tooth, but not at the cost my health.

Moreover, I want to delay the treatment for two months as I am into a very imp phase of my life, so will it be feasible and advisable to get it delayed?
If yes, then any precautions to b taken..

I am not going as per the advise of my doctor as I consulted her for the first time, due to the permanent non availability of my past dentist and thus I have a fear somewhere in my mind of wrong suggestion

Pl suggest..

ANSWER: DTPH:  Have your wisdom tooth removed.  It will likely cause more problems than it is worth, down the road.  And don't worry.  The loss of your wisdom tooth should present no future problems for you.  dd

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the suggestion sir, I will certainly do that.

But pls give the answer of my second question as well, i.e. whether I can delay the treatment for two months as I am into a very imp phase of my life, so will it be feasible and advisable to get it delayed?
If yes, then any precautions to b taken..

Pl advise.


Answer
I apologize.  I missed that part of your question.  You probably can delay treatment for two months.  Understand that I say probably because I do not know what your dentist saw in your mouth and on your xray. Usually, as long as it does not cause you any pain or swelling, you can postpone.  But not beyond a month or two.  Some wisdom teeth can become infected quickly with infection that can spread down your neck and into your system.  I would have it removed as soon as you conveniently can.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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