Extraction or root canal for lower molar?
It is true that the alternative to having a root canal is an extraction, but there are consequences to having a tooth extracted. First, you would notice a decrease in your ability to chew food. If you do nothing to fill the empty space left by the extracted tooth, other teeth will have a tendency to drift in an attempt to fill in the empty space. This drifting may cause spacing in the lower teeth and may result in the upper tooth overerupting into the space below it. It is possible this could cause a change in your occlusion (relationship of upper and lower teeth), which could ultimately cause problems with your TMJ (temperomandibular joint). This drifting may also interfere with the ability to easily restore the area if you decide years later to have the tooth replaced. If you do opt to have the tooth extracted, you should seriously consider the options for replacing the missing tooth. These options include a fixed bridge, a removable partial denture, or an implant. These replacements
