Do I really need a root canal? I have no symptoms except a cavity...?

Question

I just went in for an initial appointment with a new dentist today, who took some x-rays and told me I needed a root canal on one of my back bicuspids. However, this was a surprise to me because I am not in pain at all, there is no swelling or sensitivity, and I have not noticed any problems with this tooth. The x-ray showed a deep cavity, but it was not touching the root, and the root is not infected or anything either. Is this dentist just trying to swindle me out of an extra $900?

Also, can anyone explain what the difference is between resin and amalgam fillings, and why resin ones cost so much more?

I am definitely going to get a 2nd opinion before committing to any work with this dentist, but curious if anyone has had a similar experience needing a root canal with no physical symptoms.

Thanks!

RT

Answer 1

For my 2 cents worth, I have had half a dozen root canals and I definitely knew when I needed one. Get a second opinion.

Answer 2

Ok...forget pretty much everything else that has been written...most of them are incorrect..

"root canals can cost 1000 or more..."

If this tooth has NEVER and I mean never bothered you...there is a chance you won't need a root canal. Granted, I cannot diagnose this tooth without seeing an Xray...your dentist is probably prepping you for the worst. If you have a huge cavity, you may need a root canal..

However, there are other options....

If the dentist goes in and the nerve is actually opened up from the removal of the decay...you need a root canal, simple as that, no way around it...fork out the money..The tooth may not bother you now because the nerve is actually dead...and is a timebomb waiting to happen..

However...if the pulp is not exposed..ask the dentist to put a liner in the tooth and an AMALGAM filling. This filling is stronger and will last you longer..

You need to have the dentist to a pulp test on the tooth...where they put something extremely cold on the tooth...you will feel pain for a second...if the pain goes away when they remove the cold source..you have "reversible pulpitis" and should not need a root canal..

If you feel nothing, or the pain lingers...you have a necrotic pulp or irreversible pulpitis, respectively..

email me if you need any more help:

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Answer 3

Definitely get a second opinion... A root canal, as far as I know, usually happens when a tooth is in real trouble, not just a cavity. If a cavity was bad enough to need it, I'm guessing it would probably be hurting A LOT.

I got my first (and hopefully only!) root canal and crown last November. It was in a tooth that was found several years ago, during a filling, to have a slight fracture -- and patched up at the time. I hadn't been to the dentist in a while since I haven't had the insurance for it...but the fracture worsened and it began to hurt like HELL. Especially at night when laying down. My whole head hurt. I had to start an antibiotic before they'd even touch it in case it had developed an abscess.

Answer 4

As a dentist, I can say your symptoms are classic for needing a root canal. It would be impossible to make an exact diagnosis without seeing the X rays and the tooth clinically, but there are a few things that make me think a root canal is needed. 1. You had "sharp pain" and now it's "throbbing". This usually means that the infection is in the nerve and has spread further down the root. Even if there are no changes on the X ray, this almost always indicates some sort of deep infection in the tooth. 2. You had a "deep cavity". Most root canals in my personal experience stem from decay getting under a deep cavity. 3. You have pain spontaneously. If your tooth hurts (and only that tooth), then it is highly likely it needs a root canal because the nerve is what we call "irreversibly inflammed", which means that it isn't going to get better with any treatment besides a root canal. 4. Your dentist seems like a good clinician. It is good that your dentist attempted to adjust your bite AND also considered your allergies before jumping into a root canal. Many dentists would jump right into a root canal without trying those other options. This tells me that your dentist is not "out to get you" and likely relies on a good diagnosis. The most likely causes of your pain are as follows: 1. Deep tooth infection requiring root canal. 2. "sore tooth" from the bite being too hard (your dentist already attempted to fix that) 3. Allergies/Sinusitis, but I believe that since it is just one tooth hurting you, it is likely not allergies. this usually affects more than one tooth in the mouth.

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Answer 5

I also had a deep cavity, which I thought needed just a filling. Turns out I needed a root canal. I didn't have pain, no swelling, nothing. I got a second opinion and same thing. Root canals get a bad rap because some ppl go in when it's infected. And when they're in pain. My dentist explained that it's good to take care of it now because the pain will come if ignored. My sister and best friend also had hers done (diff dentists) and also no pain/swelling. Good luck!

Answer 6

Well I had the biggest cavity going not long ago I felt no pain at all so please ignore the symptoms of pain meaning deep cavity. I literally had lost 3/4 of my tooth with no pain at all, he (my dentist) suggested a root canal until I complained of pain of which he switched to taking the tooth out. P.S the pain was no more than sensitive teeth syndrome. I still feel he made the correct descision as it was dead. Trust your dentist, if needed get a 2nd opinion however I imagine they'll say the same thing. Having a root canal is purely to prevent bacteria getting into your roots & any further!
I'm pleased he did tbh, Resign is made to look like the tooth enamel however amalgam filling are metal and purely there to cover it quickly and without pain etc.
Take the root canal possibly with resign if you dont want to smile with a great big metal bit, if its so far back then dont worry. Hope this helps. :)

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Get a second opinion if you don't trust your dentist. I can tell you though, that I had to have a root canal, and I did not have any pain before that time. However, I could not dispute what the x-ray showed. My point is, that just because you don't have any pain in that tooth now, doesn't mean you don't need a root canal.

Answer 9

Are Root Canals Necessary

Answer 10

If the cavity has made it to the dentin and pulp, then it's only a matter of time until it's in the root, left untreated; the infection IS going to spread to the root once those parts have been contaminated.

You will spare yourself a LOT of time and pain if you have it done now, before the root is actually infected. The reason for this is that infected tissue is VERY hard to numb. The dentin and pulp rely on the root and its nerves to transmit sensation to the brain, so if the root is still healthy, it can be numbed, and the impluses from the parts that are bad now won't make it to the brain. Wait another six months or so, and not only will the infection have made it to the root, it will be next-to-impossible to numb.

I say get the root canal NOW, while you can do it relatively pain-free.