I’m getting my wisdom teeth out on Friday, but I have had a cavity in my upper left one for a while. I heard that if you have a cavity for a long time you might need a root canal. But If I’m getting the whole tooth out is that the same thing? Will I need a root canal on top of the wisdom tooth extraction? Will they do it at the same time?
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#1 by suzeeQ on February 7, 2010 - 8:17 am
A root canal is a procedure done to save the tooth. If you are going to get the tooth pulled out regardless, the root canal is no longer necessary and they will not do it.
A root canal removes the source of nerves and blood supply to the tooth so that you don’t feel any pain. It is usually done so that the tooth can be kept in the mouth but since wisdom teeth are not very necessary in the mouth, it might just be easier and cheaper to pull it out.
#2 by P S on February 7, 2010 - 8:36 am
A root canal is only when you are planning to keep the tooth. They will drill in and kill the root of the tooth so it causes no more pain to you. Since you are having the tooth removed it is not a concern.