Hi everyone,
Well I have just had all my amalgams removed in the last two months. I had all the normal safety protocols etc etc which I was pleased with. HOWEVER, 3 weeks on one of my upper molars (the largest one!!!) is in absolute agony. I organised an emergency visit about 5 days ago and it was suggested that it was a TMJ issue as I am a chronic grinder and clencher. So I went out and bought glucosamine and chondroitin etc etc.

I have been living on full on pain killers for the last 8 days. If the pain killers wear off during the night I wake up in agony. I saw the dentist again today and booked in for an emergency visit. It appears that I have irreversible pulp damage in my upper left molar which means that I either have the choice of a root canal or extraction. I am literally in tears at the moment as I write this. I can't believe what I thought would be a routine filling exchange could end up in the loss of my largest tooth.

Tomorrow morning he is going to kill the root and clean it out (hence kill the tooth) because I am in so much pain and then it seems that I have until January to decide whether I continue with the root canal therapy or extraction.

I have heard hideous things about the root canal therapy. It literally scares me. Also the thought of extraction sounds equally hideous. I can't believe this. All I wanted was my amalgam exchanged for a composite and now it seems like I am going to lose my tooth. My largest molar!! I am so upset about this.

One of the main reasons I got all my amalgams exchanged is because I have a pituitary tumour which brings me untold grief. Mercury seems to have an issue with pituitary problems hence the deicsion to remove all my amalgams. My dentist told me today that the tooth that is causing all my grief at the moment that requires a root canal or extraction just so happens to correspond with the PITUITARY GLAND. God I wish that he didn't tell me that !!!!

I guess then my main question to you all out there is should I get
ROOT CANAL THERAPY or SHOULD I EXTRACT THE TOOTH.

Lots of luv from Rachie

Holly molly. Actually just read a post from a little while ago. 'Root canal or extraction". Sounds just like my post!! Sounds like root canal is NOT the way to go but I would still really appreciate everyone's input.

When I was talking with my dentist today about my options his face seemed to contort in agony when I discussed extraction. Could somebody please enlighten me as to what my options are with an extracted tooth. He seemed disturbed about the fact that if I smiled that the gap would appear.

If I have a large molar removed do you think that it would cave in part of my face? God I wish that this was all just a dream and not reality!!

Hi Rachie. I can only tell you what I chose to do - extract the tooth. It was one of the big ones in the bottom jaw. No one can see the hole, unless they look in my mouth, and I think having it out helped my health. A few years ago I lost another tooth at the top, which was kind of near the front, and there is a little gap when I smile. This bothers me sometimes, but I don't even know if anyone notices.

I really don't think losing one tooth will "cave in" the face. I think you would have to lose several teeth for that to happen. Depending where the tooth is located, you could have difficulty biting for a while, but gums do harden in weeks.

I think dentists like to save as many teeth as possible -and I'm sure some dentists hate a tooth to be extracted because it's cheaper to take it out rather than do work on it (and more work in the future). The first dentist I saw was reluctant to take my root-canal filled tooth out, but the second agreed it was in my best interest.

I really don't know much about root-canals, but my dentist doesn't favour them and says the tooth only stays sterile for a little while.

As hard as it is, only you can make the decision - just thought I'd let you know what I did <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for your reply Demi. Muchly appreciated. I think that my gut instinct kind of says to get it removed. However, the thought of getting such a huge tooth out freaks me out completely. I hope that he doesn't damage the teeth either side of it.

Thanks again
Cheers from Rachel

Hey Rachie,
I am in the same boat as you. My left molar is really damaged after amalgam removal. I did for health reasons. Lately, I've developed gum inflamation right below it, however. I havent' checked it out with the dentist yet for the fear that I will be left with only two options, neither of which are appealing to me.

I vote for the extraction, too. I am in the same predicament myself. My worst amalgam (almost the entire tooth) is on my lower left back molar. It is going to have to be pulled, because it would cost $1,000 just to "try" and fix that one, and it is a useless tooth, there is no tooth above it. I had a wisdom tooth pulled several years ago, and my wisdom tooth was FUSED to my back tooth (good, no amalgam molar) and they had to take them both. I actually saw them, it sure was two teeth attached in the middle. I thought the dentist was going to pull my head clear off, pulling two teeth at once.

IMHO it is not worth the agony or worry of a root canal, I would just get it out and be at peace with it.

Definitely extraction...root canals are not an option...they are the equivalent to leaving a dead finger on your hand....

My younger brother got a root canal today...I am just devastated....I guess I might as well be talking to my hat. His young female dentist assured him that her methods were tried and true and he fell for it....hook, line and sinker!!! Now it needs to be capped.

Get it out Rachie....a dead tooth is not an option... I am having the rest of mine pulled in the new year and I can't wait. After having the first one pulled, my health has improved immensely. I took a downturn at first, because of all the released toxins...but since then I am getting better and better.

Traumeel drops are a great homeopathic remedy for pain and inflammation...available at most health food stores.

Best luck and feel better soon.

Sandi
xoxo