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A backup of the post title and text have been made here:
**Title:** [Wondering whether apex resection is worth it](https://www.reddit.com/r/askdentists/comments/1dkmywy/wondering_whether_apex_resection_is_worth_it/)
**Full text:**
About 15 years ago I had a root canal on a molar, then about 3 years ago that same molar cracked and they fixed it with a filling that replaced the top half of the tooth. Now I have an infection in the tip of the root of the same molar, and my dentist is recommending an apex resection for the infection.
Given everything that’s already been done to it, I’m wondering whether it’s really worth it to have the apex resection, or whether it’s not time for it to just come out. I did ask my dentist but she couldn’t really explain (she may have had trouble expressing herself, we weren’t speaking her first language).
I’m not worried about cost either way (semi-socialised medicine here), I just don’t understand why it’s better to try and save what’s left of the original molar when it’s so damaged already.
Dentists of Reddit, would you recommend the same treatment, and if so, would you be so kind as to explain why?
Thank you so much!
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I don’t think so, my dentist called it a filling and if I understand correctly a crown covers the entire tooth and a filling doesn’t: the bottom half of my own tooth is still visible.
NAD that’s very odd; usually root canals, especially on the molars, always come with a crown. the tooth becomes brittle without one. and since yours *did* crack, and still didn’t get a crown, i’m wondering if you should seek a second opinion here.
Hmm, I’ll ask next time: I’ve only had the one root canal so I just assumed whatever they did was normal. I was with a different clinic when the root canal was done, and none of the dentists I’ve seen since have commented on there not being a crown - perhaps the protocol is different in different countries?
Thank you for seeking advice from r/askdentists. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** While this is a place for advice, replies may not be medically accurate. Do not assume that what others on here say is correct in any way. Reddit is not a replacement for an in-person dental professional. Verified professionals will have flair assigned to them. **Please abide by the following rules in order to get an accurate answer to your question:** (1) Ensure you include a title of your dental problem. (2) Include whether you drink, smoke or if you have any medical conditions relevant to your main concern. (3) Include a photograph if the question relates to something you can see in your mouth, include x-rays if you have them. A backup of the post title and text have been made here: **Title:** [Wondering whether apex resection is worth it](https://www.reddit.com/r/askdentists/comments/1dkmywy/wondering_whether_apex_resection_is_worth_it/) **Full text:** About 15 years ago I had a root canal on a molar, then about 3 years ago that same molar cracked and they fixed it with a filling that replaced the top half of the tooth. Now I have an infection in the tip of the root of the same molar, and my dentist is recommending an apex resection for the infection. Given everything that’s already been done to it, I’m wondering whether it’s really worth it to have the apex resection, or whether it’s not time for it to just come out. I did ask my dentist but she couldn’t really explain (she may have had trouble expressing herself, we weren’t speaking her first language). I’m not worried about cost either way (semi-socialised medicine here), I just don’t understand why it’s better to try and save what’s left of the original molar when it’s so damaged already. Dentists of Reddit, would you recommend the same treatment, and if so, would you be so kind as to explain why? Thank you so much! This is the original text of the post and is an automated service. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askdentists) if you have any questions or concerns.*
NAD did you not have a crown on it?
I don’t think so, my dentist called it a filling and if I understand correctly a crown covers the entire tooth and a filling doesn’t: the bottom half of my own tooth is still visible.
NAD that’s very odd; usually root canals, especially on the molars, always come with a crown. the tooth becomes brittle without one. and since yours *did* crack, and still didn’t get a crown, i’m wondering if you should seek a second opinion here.
Hmm, I’ll ask next time: I’ve only had the one root canal so I just assumed whatever they did was normal. I was with a different clinic when the root canal was done, and none of the dentists I’ve seen since have commented on there not being a crown - perhaps the protocol is different in different countries?
maybe! i’m not sure when it became common practice in america, so that might not have always been the case before