Dental crown or extraction?

[JeffersLos]

I require a crown on a bottom molar, the 2nd last one on the bottom.

 

Instead of getting a crown I could opt for extraction.

 

Extraction can be done in 30-40 minutes, be done with NO2 laughing gas, only cost THB2,000 or so.

 

I've never had a crown before, please correct me if I'm wrong, the dentist said that the first operation takes around 2 hours (can NO2 be used for 2 hours?) then there's a second session where they put it on, around 30-60 minutes, and costs around THB10,000 for a metal one, and THB15-20,000 for one that looks like a normal tooth. 

 

I don't like sitting in a dentist chair.

 

Is there a reason to go for a crown rather than extraction?  

[OneMoreFarang]

14 minutes ago, JeffersLos said:

Is there a reason to go for a crown rather than extraction?  

If you want that you have all teeth to eat, then obviously it's best to get a replacement.

If you can't afford it or don't care if one tooth is missing, then just get rid of the tooth.

But in case you decide later you want a tooth again then it will be even more expensive.

Summary: If you can afford it then get a crown.

[Lacessit]

It depends on where the tooth is, one's age, and how important that particular tooth is in biting and chewing.

 

At my advanced age, I would only have teeth restored if critical. Two extracted in the last two years, I get along OK without them.

 

IMO you could probably have a molar in the position you describe removed without missing it much.

 

I've found dentists here can extract teeth quite painlessly with injections, your choice if you want nitrous oxide instead.

 

You do have the option of replacing with an implant later; however, that's a lot more expensive than a crown, 55K-60K baht.

[jaywalker2]

Get a crown. It's important for keeping the bone intact, maintaining the structure of the mouth, and ensuring proper bite. You shouldn't even get your wisdom teeth taken out unless it's unavoidable. Dentists often say you don't need them but their removal causes the mouth to shrink leading to constricted airway, breathing problems, and other issues.

[Mickeymaus]

What an idea to extract a tooth if it is not necessary.... And also the teeth next to it and on the opposite side might / will get a problem over time if it is missing. 

 

I paid for a zirconia crown (also molar) 12000 Baht in Pattaya. They are said to be the best crowns and are completely white. But you can take cheaper ones especially in this area where nobody will see it. 

 

Recently I lost a molar tooth - got loose over the years. And now I am thinking about an implant. About 50000 Baht. Not this amount worries me but the whole operation. Many sessions at the dentist... 

 

 

[Don Chance]

I think you forgot the part about about a root canal?

[Mickeymaus]

Just now, Don Chance said:

I think you forgot the part about about a root canal?

Root canal treatment is not allways necessary. But the tooth might die over time if you have bad luck. I have crowns without root canal treatment. No problems even after very many years.

[bkk6060]

1 hour ago, JeffersLos said:

there a reason to go for a crown rather than extraction?  

To avoid future infection with a hole in your mouth.

To avoid other teeth from moving.

To keep your bite on line.

To avoid pain by chewing on exposed flesh.

Probably other potential issues.

 

I learned a long time ago not to be cheap with your mouth/teeth.  The cheap way out is to pull the tooth.

If this causes issues in the future an implant would probably be needed at around 50,000 b.

I would get the crown.

[JeffersLos]

23 minutes ago, Don Chance said:

I think you forgot the part about about a root canal?

What about it? 

[The Fugitive]

I would try to get a second opinion. My local general dentist told me I needed either an extraction or root canal, post and crown. Filling was not possible. I opted for the crown. As she didn't do them she referred me to a specialist dentist friend in the next larger town. He took a look and said "I can fill this". Resolved very easily. Proved totally satisfactory. On the other hand, I had five gold crowns fitted (without root canals) 50 years ago. Only had a problem with one of them that developed a root infection. I opted for extraction.   

[thaibeachlovers]

Always better to keep a tooth if possible. Have the crown if possible.

Speaking as one with too many gaps.

All my molar crowns are metal, no problems and no porcelain to crack.

[GammaGlobulin]

Please don't seek dental therapy advice from ThaiVisa guys. 

 

Too many here have probably lost their teeth from not consulting a top-notch dental clinic early enough in the game. 

 

Still, if your endodontist advises you to go for root-canal therapy and a crown, then go for it. 

 

If your dentist believes that she cannot salvage the tooth, then go for an implant, and crown. 

 

It's not always easy to find the dentist best for your needs. But, it's always worth the effort to search. 

 

Peerless dental care does not come cheap. 

 

If money is not a consideration, then you might wish to fly to the USA. 

 

Maybe Hollywood, because most film stars in Hollywood seem to have good-looking teeth. 

 

Also, take time to find the best dentists in Thailand. Contact your local university for a potential referral. 

 

Money talks. 

Nobody walks. 

 

There is great dental care here if you are smart enough, and wealthy enough, to access it. 

 

 

[Mickeymaus]

At this occasion...This in the picture is every dentist's enemy. Have been using it for about 30 years and never had cavities again. It's not cheap and only needs to be used once a week. I always let it work for 15 minutes. And very important - do not swallow it. It is highly concentrated fluoride.

 

[GammaGlobulin]

10 minutes ago, Mickeymaus said:

At this occasion...This in the picture is every dentist's enemy. Have been using it for about 30 years and never had cavities again. It's not cheap and only needs to be used once a week. I always let it work for 15 minutes. And very important - do not swallow it. It is highly concentrated fluoride.

 

If your dentist is good, then she will recommend a fluoride treatment in her office (when needed). 

 

Your dentist is not your enemy. 

 

 

Edited November 9, 2022 by GammaGlobulin

[Mickeymaus]

7 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

If your dentist is good, then she will recommend a fluoride treatment in her office (when needed). 

 

Your dentist is not your enemy. 

 

I didn't know this Elmex Gelee. The dentist that gave it to me the first time was my girlfriend at this time. 

[GammaGlobulin]

12 minutes ago, Mickeymaus said:

I didn't know this Elmex Gelee. The dentist that gave it to me the first time was my girlfriend at this time. 

Normally, the dentist will suggest a fluoride treatment if she deems it warranted. 

 

Typically, the fluoride gel is applied to a plastic piece which fits inside the mouth and which conforms to the shape of the teeth. 

 

This treatment is completed within about two or three minutes. 

 

Visit any dentist and it's no big deal. 

 

Dentists are our friends, not our enemies. 

 

 

[GammaGlobulin]

My dentists here and elsewhere have never provided me with laughing gas. 

 

I have had several bouts of root canal therapy. Yet never a whiff of nitrous oxide gas have I enjoyed. 

 

If the sound of the drill bugs you, then just don a pair of expensive headphones, and crank up the volume. 

 

Wear some shades, or ask for a pair from the assistant. 

 

As to the best music for root canal therapy, the complete album of Led Zeppelin's "In Through The Out Door" is a winner. 

 

Also, if possible, find a dentist with small hands. 

 

 

[Thailand J]

Extraction only if a crown is impossible...please.

 

 I visit a dentist twice a year until Dr Warin in Pattaya told me to see him once a year only. The very basic reason is to avoid any extraction, by catching any problem early.

 

 

[crouchpeter]

On 11/9/2022 at 7:27 AM, Lacessit said:

It depends on where the tooth is, one's age, and how important that particular tooth is in biting and chewing.

 

At my advanced age, I would only have teeth restored if critical. Two extracted in the last two years, I get along OK without them.

 

IMO you could probably have a molar in the position you describe removed without missing it much.

 

I've found dentists here can extract teeth quite painlessly with injections, your choice if you want nitrous oxide instead.

 

You do have the option of replacing with an implant later; however, that's a lot more expensive than a crown, 55K-60K baht.

You don't have Nitrous Oxide "instead of an injection". You still have the injection.

[crouchpeter]

On 11/9/2022 at 7:44 AM, jaywalker2 said:

Get a crown. It's important for keeping the bone intact, maintaining the structure of the mouth, and ensuring proper bite. You shouldn't even get your wisdom teeth taken out unless it's unavoidable. Dentists often say you don't need them but their removal causes the mouth to shrink leading to constricted airway, breathing problems, and other issues.

What <deleted>!

[In Full Agreement]

On 11/9/2022 at 7:46 AM, Mickeymaus said:

And now I am thinking about an implant. About 50000 Baht. Not this amount worries me but the whole operation. Many sessions at the dentist... 

 

The Ms. had 3 missing teeth when I met her and she  was happy to have them replaced with a crown.    I was pleased to find the procedure was so painless  she had no anxiety  about having the second and third ones replaced.

 

The cost for each was 40K THB.

[Mickeymaus]

3 minutes ago, In Full Agreement said:

 

The Ms. had 3 missing teeth when I met her and she  was happy to have them replaced with a crown.    I was pleased to find the procedure was so painless  she had no anxiety  about having the second and third ones replaced.

 

The cost for each was 40K THB.

I think you are talking about an implant. 40K for a crown would be too much. I will start with my implant in December. First he has to build up the bone structure. Pain or not - I am worried ????????????

[In Full Agreement]

9 minutes ago, Mickeymaus said:

I think you are talking about an implant. 40K for a crown would be too much. I will start with my implant in December. First he has to build up the bone structure. Pain or not - I am worried ????????????

 

You are absolutely correct.     I meant an implant  and NOT a crown.    But the point I wanted to make is she found the whole procedure not so uncomfortable.

 

Same thing happened to me regarding a root canal.   One acquaintance who had the procedure done in Thailand warned me to be prepared  for a lot of pain.     Different strokes for different folks but I didn't find it painful at all.   

[Lacessit]

3 hours ago, crouchpeter said:

You don't have Nitrous Oxide "instead of an injection". You still have the injection.

I was not aware of that. I just have the injection. I have never been offered nitrous oxide.

[Mickeymaus]

2 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I was not aware of that. I just have the injection. I have never been offered nitrous oxide.

As kid they gave it to me. Today I always ask for Whiskey but sadly they always come with a needle. Very good dentists will even numb the area where they sting. 

[dingdongrb]

On 11/9/2022 at 9:54 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

My dentists here and elsewhere have never provided me with laughing gas. 

 

I have had several bouts of root canal therapy. Yet never a whiff of nitrous oxide gas have I enjoyed. 

 

I think the last time I had nitrous oxide was in a balloon at a Dead concert.

[DavisH]

On 11/9/2022 at 7:46 AM, Mickeymaus said:

What an idea to extract a tooth if it is not necessary.... And also the teeth next to it and on the opposite side might / will get a problem over time if it is missing. 

 

I paid for a zirconia crown (also molar) 12000 Baht in Pattaya. They are said to be the best crowns and are completely white. But you can take cheaper ones especially in this area where nobody will see it. 

 

Recently I lost a molar tooth - got loose over the years. And now I am thinking about an implant. About 50000 Baht. Not this amount worries me but the whole operation. Many sessions at the dentist... 

 

 

The actually drilling into the bone is quite painless and quite fast. I have had 2 done. There may be some discomfort after the operation, as the gum needs to be stiched and the stiches removed later. I'd much rather that this over a root canal (of which I'd had some also). 

[jaywalker2]

On 11/9/2022 at 7:46 AM, Mickeymaus said:

What an idea to extract a tooth if it is not necessary.... And also the teeth next to it and on the opposite side might / will get a problem over time if it is missing. 

 

I paid for a zirconia crown (also molar) 12000 Baht in Pattaya. They are said to be the best crowns and are completely white. But you can take cheaper ones especially in this area where nobody will see it. 

 

Recently I lost a molar tooth - got loose over the years. And now I am thinking about an implant. About 50000 Baht. Not this amount worries me but the whole operation. Many sessions at the dentist... 

 

 

I had two implants and, like you, was anxious about the surgery. It turned out to be much less arduous than a root canal.

[watthong]

deleted

Edited November 24, 2022 by watthong

[WaveHunter]

If it were me I would not want to lose the 2nd molar from the back.  The Wisdom tooth, no worries, but the second from back I would prefer to save it for both cosmetic and functional reasons. I guess losing the 2nd molar back  is not critical, cosmetically or functionally, but I think it would be noticeable.

 

Prices for crown here in Thailand are so inexpensive compared to Western dentists that I would go for the crown. 

 

The only time I might opt for an extraction of a back molar is if it required a root canal.  I had one of those once and it was not only a horrible experience but then the root canal got infected afterwards and has to be redone!

 

Crowns are not painful enough for NO2, but I guess it would be kind of fun ????.   I just had a local anesthetic injection into the gums, which makes me kind of squeamish at the thought of a needle going deep into my gums but the actual pain is only for a second and then you have that weird feeling as your mouth goes numb which is kind of fun in a perverse way. 

 

It is a two step procedure but I wouldn't really call the steps "operations". 

 

In my case there was no decay or infection so it was just a matter of grinding the remaining tooth to create a proper mating surface for the crown.  Molds were made of the remaining tooth and a temporary crown was fitted.  The procedure was fairly quick. It could not have taken more than an hour to do at most.

 

Then I came back a few days later once the permanent crown had been made in a lab, and it was fitted in not more than 20-30 minutes.  So really not a big deal at all, and it has lasted for well over 20 years with no problems at all.

 

Just be sure the work is done by a really good dentist.  I found my dentist here in Thailand simply by using Google Maps (reviews).  The really good dentists just jump right off the page with dozens of positive reviews, so it's pretty easy to find a good dentist that way.

Edited November 24, 2022 by WaveHunter