Question:
I just visited a new dentist (recommended by a friend who had quite a
few procedures recently, and had good success), and he noticed that a
tooth of mine was sensitive to heat and cold, took an xray, and
recommended I get a root canal.
Of course I made an appointment immediately, but I am curious as to how
necessary this is. Does the cleaning in the canal actually get rid of
and help keep rid of the bacteria, or will they just come back and
continue to cause problems with my gums? Is there even an alternative
since this is in the early stages? What's the consensus on using
calcium hydroxide in the root?
Normally I wouldn't be so concerned, except this is a major and
expensive procedure, and he also recommended other complicated
procedures as well for a later date (gum cleaning, redoing crowns to be
all-porcelain, etc.), and I've never had a dentist recommend this
amount of procedure before.
Should I put off the appointment (currently tomorrow!) and get a second
opinion by another dentist?
Answer:
The claims on that web site are unadulterated crap and any lay person asking
for an opinion on whether to have a root canal should be advised of this.
Before you get that root canal, find out the success/fail rate of root
canals.
Who knows if you need a root canal. This forum can't determine that, but if
you have doubts, do indeed get another opinion. BTW, no office takes kindly to
last minute cancellations, so bear that in mind.
There is a possibility of a deficient filling. I would try less-invasive
treatment first. If you get the root canal therapy, you will, most likely
also need a crown.
Yes, root canals are very necessary. You see, dentists usually have
very expensive mortgage and car payments, and your root canal money
will help greatly there. Plus, they have other things to do besides
pamper your teeth, so if you rush through the procedure and screw up
your teeth, don't go whining on the internet about it--they'll just sue
you!
The procedure is 100% successful at what goal? The tooth fails? I'm sorry,
that's akin to saying the operation was a success, unfortunately the patient
died.
I'm still experiencing the effects of failing to properly provide a tooth
for the procedure six years later. I still have tissues that my body is
trying to clean up coming through my gums.
Everything was infected. And when I kept indicating the root canal, I got
nothing but strange mindsets that also believed in the procedure.
Wouldn't a failed root canal indicate failed judgment even if one were into
blaming the tooth for failing the dentist?
