I have been having big trouble with 2 teeth that were root canaled and then had endodontic surgery--but I still have pain and throbbing--6 months later. Now we are talking about extraction of one of the teeth, hopefully, the one causing the problems....maybe....but the notion of just filing it down and putting a bridge there has also been discussed. ((I am not a good candidate for an implant)--Can anyone tell me what is involved with an extraction? this tooth is near the front...do they just leave a space there while it heals? and how long is the pain?
Thanks

greg-
thanks so much for your input...if only we were sure which tooth!!!--Another dentist just recommended filing the tooth down and putting a false one with a bridge...???? I don't quite understand the rational....

Just an update--after 8 months and multiple multiple drs. and opinions, had a tooth extracted and hoped that it was the right one--lo and behold, there was an infection in the root due to a possible microscopic crack (tooth was root canaled and apico)..of course, I had asked over and over if there was any possiblitity of an underlying infection, but was repeatedly told NO.--so now onward to the problems of bridge, etc....
and now also having another painful problem with a new crown..
keeps on going!!

I am glad they pulled that tooth for you, hopefully that will be one problem that is solved! Ha, I had a lot of dental work done last year in the spring and am still having troubles too, after spending over $7000. Not any major pains, but still feel something isn't right. My teeth are always on my mind, strangely enough, they seemed fine before I went to the dentist, LOL.... meaning I didn't have any pains.
The crown that is bothering you, is the tooth root canaled? What kind of bridge will you be getting? I might have to have a front tooth pulled, had a root canal redone (original one was done because I knockec 4 lower front teeth half off in a car accident over 20 years ago), but it still doesn't quite feel right. I wonder if a Maryland bridge can be done... hate to damage any adjacent teeth for a bridge and then they might go bad later on... it never seems to end, does it? Good luck to you!