Do you think dentists can lie to make you get a root canal? What if I didn't need one?

Answer 1

I don't mean to be rude, but why are you finding it so hard to believe that you need a rootcanal? These are fairly common in the dental field. People have to get them all the time. What reason would a dentist have, to lie to you about needing rootcanal? Trust me, they can make alot more money on things like, implants, veneers and bleaching. It is more likely that they would "lie" to you about needing one of these things. Not a rootcanal. If you don't trust your dentist then why are you going to him?

You go to a dentist because you are looking for a professional opinion. If you didn't really want it or are going to question it when you don't hear what you want to hear, then why even go to the dentist?

Like I said, I don't mean to be rude, but I guess I am just venting since I hear things like this in my line of work everyday. Dentists are not the evil, torturing, dishonest people that some make them out to be.

Answer 2

It would be very unlikely. Unlike caveties (which can hide from even an x-ray) root canals are usually symptomatic, that is you come in with pain, sensitivity, deep decay, etc.

Reason this out: why would a dentist want to risk sanctions, losing state license, disgruntled patients... just for a few dollars. Trust me, there is plenty of real work out there that needs to be done without making stuff up.

If you don't trust the dentist, by all means get a second opinion. But if a dentist wanted to make money by ripping people off, there are plenty of easier ways. Eight years of extremely expensive education thrown away for a $600 root canal? Doesn't add up.

Answer 3

The tooth is under extreme pain, you've been to the ER, and now that someone told you what the problem is you think they are lying. I suppose its a possibility. So, stop asking people on the internet for absolution and go get another opinion. Get it cold, don't even tell them anything about having seen another dentist. Complain about the pain to them, have them take a look, let them discover the filling, and let them make a diagnosis. Large fillings can contribute to the causes of the infection, along with repetitive procedures on the tooth. It isn't necessarily the dentists fault. Its more your fault for failing to maintain your dental health. You'll learn when you have to spend a lot of money on it. I know I'm coming off as being cold, but don't we all want to hate our dentists? :-D Although, this is why I suggest a second opinion. Although, an infection in the pulp of the tooth requires a root canal, unless you want to loose the tooth, or worse allow the infection to spread to your brain.

Answer 4

Your questions are:

Q1. Do you think dentists CAN lie........?
A1. Of course they can.

Q2. What if you didn't need one?
A2. You will have had an uneccesary root canal.

My questions are:

Q1. Do you think your dentist is lying?
A1. If you do, find another dentist.

Q2. Do you really need a root canal?
A2. Don't get one and see if you get a toothache in a month or two. That's the only way for most patients to know. Refuse recommended treatment and suffer the consequences.

Answer 5

Anything is possible. I once had a dentist tell me I had 6 cavities that needed to be filled. Since I had never before had any cavities at all, I really doubted his word on this. Went to another dentist - he said I had zip, zero.
I'm sure this type of thing doesn't happen often, but if any doubt, get another opinion.

Answer 6

It's always possible, but I've had 3 done and the option was pull it or root canal, all three times I knew I needed one.

Answer 7

I seriously doubt it. Dentists take financial and career risks by doing root canals...

Answer 8

you know it's a known fact that dentist will lie and say you need this and that just to take all your insurance i know from experience i got 3 differant appointments differant dentist they all told me differant saying i needed major gum treatment etc and another told me differant thats why you have to always get a second opinion ,if you had no money they'd be happy to pull the tooth but if you got insurance they are willing to do anything to save it as long as your insurance covers it and thats the god honest truth . when i got my insurance from work they warned me about some dentist's not all of them but 90 % good luck watch out .

Answer 9

No, I don't think they would. If there is root damage or decay they will see it.

Answer 10

Sure they could, and an oral surgeon would have to go along with the scam. Look, chances are that you really do need one if you have suffered the pain and abscess, so it is more important to get it done and preserve your ability to chew.