I had slight pain in one tooth, no prior problems. The dentist x-rayed the tooth and found nothing. Then examined me and told me I needed a root canal on the tooth in front of the tooth that was hurting.
Is this possible?
I am getting a 2nd opinion but I was wondering if anyone has been diagnosed with needing a root canal and decided not to get it?
2006-09-18 09:12:16 · 6 answers · asked by Question Asker 2 in Health ➔ Dental
If the tooth needs a root canal, it will show up on the x-ray. As far as the slight pain, it's possible but not likely for a tooth that needs a rootcanal. Mine hurt alot. It sounds kind of fishey to me. Definitely get that second opinion, but don't tell the dentist that the first dentist recommended a root canal. Let him do his own x-rays and exam and see what he says.
2006-09-18 09:19:06 · answer #1 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have what is called "referred pain". Where you feel the pain isn't always where the problem is located. For instance, someone with a knee injury might actually feel the pain in their hip. Or someone having a heart attack might be having pain in their back. Have you ever ate ice cream too fast and got a pain above one eye? You weren't sticking the ice cream above your eye were you?
If you've ever had Novocaine during a dental procedure, you know that sometimes the freezing goes to a much wider area in your mouth than just where the tooth was that needed to be fixed. It is the same with pain sometimes.
I'm sure your dentist knows what they are doing. Feel free to get a second opinion if it makes you feel better.
2006-09-18 09:26:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to have referred pain as the writer above correctly states.
I think it is an excellent idea to have a 2nd opinion if you're not sure about the diagnosis.
If the 2nd dentist also says you need it, then it's best to have it done before you develop much more pain in time. The hole won't go away on its own - like rust in your car, it will keep getting bigger.
2006-09-18 09:38:47 · answer #3 · answered by Dr Matt W (Australia) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes-there are a few dentists out there who scam people for root canals. I was the victim of one myself a few years ago. It's best to get a second and sometimes even third opinion.
This whole scenario doesn't sound right.
2006-09-18 09:15:08 · answer #4 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
don't do it. Root canals hurt! BAD. I FELT LIKE I WAS DYING
2006-09-18 10:59:50 · answer #5 · answered by dropofgoldensun 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes
2006-09-18 09:15:14 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋