I will try to make this short....I had a root canal about 9 years ago and it was not crowned. The tooth is near the front and I am worried that it will break. I have cavaties that need to be filled before I get the tooth crowned and I want to avoid root canals. This is my question...I have NOT been eating at all on that side of my mouth in fear that the tooth will break. I need to wait a few weeks or so till I can afford to have this procedure done...what are my chances of saving the tooth? I know that there is no scientific time to these things, but I was hopeing someone could shed a little light on my situation...the one of few...LOL Anyway, I hope to get some feedback. Thanks All!!

Sandy

Weather or not your tooth can be saved is going to depend on how badly damaged it is with cavities. Since you already had a root canal in that tooth, you wouldn't feel it in soft pulp core so damage could be extensive. The Dentist will probably want to put a crown on the tooth.

In your situation, I would suggest financing your dental work. Some dentists have payment plans that would allow you to get all of the work done and then make payments. Of course if you miss a payment, a couple of rough looking dental assistants will show up at your house and remove your teeth.

Hi Robert,
My dentist had told me that he will crown the tooth. What I am wondering is what are my chances of the tooth breaking in the next few weeks? I do not chew any food on that side what so ever. I just want to keep the tooth in one piece til I can get the crown done.

since the tooth has been ok for the past 9 years with a root canal and no crown it'll probably be ok for another few weeks. I'd like to point out that not all teeth need be crowned after a root canal. A front tooth that is intact and in good shape can often be taken care of with a filling only. Back teeth like molars and 2nd premolars should always be crowned because of the force placed upon them.