Dental Question

jubilant · ‎06-10-2010

I have a root canal that has gone bad after many years. I can have another one or my dentist says they can just get rid of the decay and put a crown on the tooth and that I may never need another root canal for that tooth. I've never heard of this...have you???

manny2 · ‎05-24-2010

I have heard of that. If the new decay hasn’t reached the old root‑canal filling and the seal is still intact, some dentists will remove the decay and place a new crown without doing another root canal. It’s not the most common situation, but it is a legitimate option when the canal itself isn’t reinfected. I would do it.

Janey2 · ‎06-07-2010

If you are questioning your dentist get a second opinion.

Skyegirl21 · ‎03-20-2010

Not sure what is meant by "gone bad". The initial procedure drills out the nerve and fills the canal with specific stuff they use called "gutta-percha". So it depends on your situation. All my root canal procedures required a cap right away-
Once I had a root canal, where the nerve was so intricate, the initial procedure did not get it all out, and they had to go back a 2nd time- That's all I know! Best wishes!
ETA: if they can save the tooth, that's always the best option!

simplyfriends · ‎12-24-2010

I follow Dr Ellie Phillips and use her complete dental system. I would google her and maybe she if has some info on this. She is a retired dentist and has a lot of good insight.

Pink123 · ‎07-10-2019

Yes this is not uncommon and it happened to me after about 20 years. That tooth was crowned right off the front 4 teeth and I sort of freaked out as it is a bridge attached to others. I saw dancing $$$$ signs in my head right away.

They are called "retreats". When I went to the Periodontist he said no need to worry. He said he would go and get it through the back of the tooth without having to lose my bridge. I was relieved for sure.

Now yes, they will of course want you put in a new crown because it's a good moneymaker, but if your tooth is aesthetically in pretty good shape just get the "retreat" and save your money. (My opinion of course but I find the price of dentistry over the top. It seemed to happen overnight. Almost highway robbery if you ask me.

I think future medical Doctors in College are changing to enter the dentistry field for the $$$$. Makes sense for them. Awful.

frenchie · ‎03-12-2010

The biggest fleecing you can get is from a dentist or veteranarian. If they would rather see your pet dead than giving you a break they are not caring enough to be in that business.

jubilant · ‎06-10-2010

Thank you everyone. I've been a little confused because my family dentist sent me to an endontist who said he wouldn't do anything right then and I might get a couple of years out of it yet. That was about 6 months ago. Now my dentist tells me He can take away the decay and put a crown on it. It is turning black along the edges.I need several other things done and this would all come to between four and five thousand dollars. Ugh!

jubilant · ‎06-10-2010

@frenchie I was told that the reason dentists are so expensive is that they have to have so much equipment

and supplies to do what they do. One of the other things I have to have done is an old filling taken out...new one put in with a porcelain crown. I keep wondering if I should just have that one pulled. While we do have the money...there

are other needs/wants we would rather spend it on. We are middle income people and $5000 seems a lot to me! I would think of having it pulled but it is a top, side front tooth and would be noticeable.