Root Canal Question - Page 2

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I've had 4 done by my dentist at the time, and one done by an endodontist, 1 1/2 hrs away. The procedure by the endodontist was done in less time, but the filling cracked later, and was redone by my dentist. I prefer to stick with my local dentist.

patbz · ‎03-10-2010

I have never had a root canal and at 73, I hope I never need one. My Mother was on a trip to India (40 years ago) and needed an emergency root canal. She was visiting a hole in the wall jeweller (which a friend recommended) and HE found a local Indian dentist who did the deed. Everything turned out fine ( how many Indian and Pakistani medical personnel have we all encountered?).

mollymaggie · ‎11-16-2010

You are going to pay the same for going to a doctor that only does root canals They will have the latest equipment which means quicker and more precise

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

@Kachina -I'm in the same situation as you. My old dentist did them but he is retired. He did one for me right through a bridge.

Sameolmollysmama · ‎03-30-2010

Software, while high tech is awesome, it's really not necessary for MOST cases. Root canals really aren't the big deal that people make them out to be. I've assisted in many of them, several years ago, and it's usually easy enough to make sure you've reamed the canal sufficiently with a regular X-ray. Most dentists are capable of performing root canals, but they're time consuming. The ones they're most likely to refer out are molars, which have multiple roots and are hard to reach. Keep in mind that if you go to someone using fancy microscopes, etc., you're going to be paying for those. Dental equipment isn't cheap, and patients aren't exactly beating down the doors. Also keep in mind that every tooth with a root canal will require a crown following the treatment. Root canals can be easily done on teeth that already have crowns. The crown doesn't appear in an X-ray, but the roots do and that's all the dentist needs to see. Another tip: don't go to an endodontist as your first appt to see if you need a root canal! Go to your regular dentist and let him decide.

Sameolmollysmama · ‎03-30-2010

RedTop, hi. I'm just curious. Why wasn't a crown put on your tooth following the root canal?

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

I've never heard of a dentist doing a root canal. I'm always referred to a specialist and welcome that! My rool canals have always been a piece of cake, painfree and quickly done.

"Pure Michigan"

Skyegirl21 · ‎03-20-2010

Absolutely go to specialist. Endodontists have much more experience!

Silver Lining · ‎04-16-2010

@Sameolmollysmama wrote:
Software, while high tech is awesome, it's really not necessary for MOST cases. Root canals really aren't the big deal that people make them out to be. I've assisted in many of them, several years ago, and it's usually easy enough to make sure you've reamed the canal sufficiently with a regular X-ray. Most dentists are capable of performing root canals, but they're time consuming. The ones they're most likely to refer out are molars, which have multiple roots and are hard to reach. Keep in mind that if you go to someone using fancy microscopes, etc., you're going to be paying for those. Dental equipment isn't cheap, and patients aren't exactly beating down the doors. Also keep in mind that every tooth with a root canal will require a crown following the treatment. Root canals can be easily done on teeth that already have crowns. The crown doesn't appear in an X-ray, but the roots do and that's all the dentist needs to see. Another tip: don't go to an endodontist as your first appt to see if you need a root canal! Go to your regular dentist and let him decide.

@Sameolmollysmama, great information from a person who has had lots of experience. My regular dentist has done a root canal on one of my upper molars that already had a crown and one that didn't. Both times he asked me if I wanted a referral. I have total confidence in his training and ability. He has state of the art digital equipment and I trust him to know his limitations.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

My Dentist wouldn't do a root canal - so I never had the choice. But I must say I had an unpleasant experience at my endodonist last time. Yes, I have had much work done on my teeth. In fact I went to my Dentist on Monday, my file is about 4 inches thick. My Dentist said it is time to start file #2.

BUT the root canal may not be permanent. And then you need to get implants. I am now of the opinion to skip the root canal and get an implant instead.