Confused with dental work?

Question

I've recently had a lot of work done on my teeth after not seeing a dentist for 10 years - big mistake as I learned! I ended up having cavities in practically all my teeth of varying severity. I had to have one extracted and a couple of root canals, and I'm still in the process of having a LOT of fillings done - it's taking a long time because I'm a bit of a baby and can only get them done one or two at a time.

Anyway, I just wondered, how can you tell whether a tooth needs a filling or a root canal without x-rays? I mean obviously a dentist can tell, but what are the symptoms that would indicate a tooth needed to be extracted, needed a root canal or could be fixed just with a filling? Also, I have one tooth which doesn't need a root canal, but the dentist says will need a crown - I thought you only needed crowns on root canalled teeth? Can anyone give me an "idiot's guide" please?!

Answer 1

As you're learning... prevention is always the best way to go. It is possible for teeth to need crowns even though they have not had a root canal. This is usually because the tooth has broken down whether it's the natural tooth or a previous filling. If the nerve is not in danger of being involved, then no root canal is needed at the time. Although they can be done later through the crown if needed. Although you give dentists great kudos for having xray vision and not needing to look at xrays to decide what a tooth needs.... this is not true. Xrays are a great diagnostic tool that allows the dentist to see not only any decay, but also how deep it goes and the health of the bone holding your teeth in place... not to mention anything possible underlying problems such as cysts, tumors, etc.

There are a few very basic things you can look at: a tooth that reacts to heat or pressure.. will usually have nerve involvement and require a root canal. Teeth that react to sweet and or cold will usually have decay that a filling can take care of. Please keep in mind that these are not solid for every situation, but will give you a very general guideline.
Congratuations on getting your teeth fixed. Hopefully this experience will help you to be healthier and be a regular dental patient. As you know, dental treatment is a whole lot easier when it is done when things are small....and less expensive.

Answer 2

Sometimes teeth with many cavities don't have enough substance to support more fillings. Sometimes these teeth need root canals, sometimes not. That depends on the extent of the cavities depth into the tooth. Nevertheless, such teeth can be prepared to support a crown and once capped can remain in the mouth for many many years. The crown helps prevent shifting of teeth, protects the remaining natural tooth core, and provides surfaces for eating, etc.

Generally speaking the dentist can fully assess a tooth's condition only by viewing X-rays of the tooth and its root in the jaw.

Answer 3

it depends on how far the decay has gone into a tooth if the pulp is afected it needs extraction if it cannot suport a fill. the same with root canal treatment but it can support a fill a filling is if the decay is not that far into a tooth. years ago dentist wouldnt do a crown with out a root treatment but now they do guidlines change a crown is for the outer part of the tooth (the crown) not the root

Answer 4

hi,i have had fillings in my teeth since i was very young,i have since seen other dentists,i have not had any more work done now,the teeth i have left i am not letting any dentist fill or do anything to my teeth anymore,the teeth i refuse to have filled for about ten years are still good and dont have any problems with them,the ones i have had filled and play up i then have them pulled out,if i never see a dentist in my life,only to extract them i think i would have still had loads left