Last year I had a 3 surface cavity filled. I didn't even know I had this cavitiy until the tooth actually broke over Christmas. I went to the dentist as soon as possible and they filled the tooth. Does this large cavity mean in the future I will need a root canal. I brush and floss my teeth regularly. I don't know why my old dentist missed this huge cavity.
2007-10-29 05:21:45 · 6 answers · asked by Sara 1 in Health ➔ Dental
yes
2007-10-29 05:28:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
You have two choices, root canal the tooth or have it extracted. If you are just nervous about the procedure ask the dentist for a pre-medication that you can take the night before and the day of the procedure, you will need a driver for this medication to be used though. You can also have N20 during the procedure that will help to relax you. Don't listen to the horror stories that some people regale (for their own amusment) about root canals, they have a tendency to elaborate and exaggerate the pain, making it sound worse than natural childbirth, of quad triplets, in an open field, without a stick to bite on....and.... Do you get my point? If they were that painful, do you think people would ever get one? Root canals really aren't painful as most patients initially think. The only ones that “are” painful, are when the patient walks in with his jaw in his hand, tears in his eyes, he’s been up all night with his whole face throbbing and has a full blown abscessed tooth with extreme swelling and pain that requires an emergency root canal treatment to be done immediately. In those cases it's difficult if not impossible to get the anesthetic to work when there is so much infection present. Even so, those patients are thankful once the pulp is removed and the pressure is relieved. I've seen more appreciative patients following root canal procedures than any other procedure. The only time I’ve received flowers and candies from my patients has been after performing a root canal on their tooth. So, again your options are limited, either the root canal therapy or an extraction. The latter isn't a good alternative since it's always better to try to save your own natural tooth. There are options available to replace a missing tooth; implant, fixed bridge or even partial denture. These aren’t always "good" options for every patient though; much depends on the tooth removed, bone level left, and finances, which replacement can be much more expensive than having a root canal and crown done in the first place. Everyone here has given you excellent answers and almost all have the same advice, save the tooth if at all possible. The choice is ultimately left for you to make, I hope you will consider everything I’ve said and discuss this thoroughly with your dentist before making a rash decision. There are ways to have the root canal procedure performed with very little, if any discomfort at all. Your dentist will be glad to discuss these with you as well. I hope I’ve been of some help and good luck with your pending procedure. Additional information: Todd S is a prime example, although he did say it was "cake" later.
2016-05-26 00:24:05 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Frequently the pulp chamber will lay down secondary dentin; thereby preventing the nerve tissue from being infected. This prevents the necessity of a root canal, A three surface filling does not mean the tooth will have to be crowned, if properly done and enough sound tooth remains to support the filling, it could very well last a life time. If more tooth is broken and or the filling fails, it could very well require a crown to restore the tooth.
2007-10-29 05:50:25 · answer #3 · answered by great6181930 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily, a good job filling with composite can strengthen the tooth. Depends which tooth and if you bite on something hard (or carmel?) If it is a molar, then a crown may be needed later. They might suggest a root canal if they did a bad fill job and their BMW payment is late. I will not have a root canal done (why would i want a dead tooth left in my head? they can harbor bacteria) I will pull it instead if it comes to that. Use a waterpik or sonic toothbrush, help reach where brushes can't. Good luck!
2007-10-29 13:08:10 · answer #4 · answered by D M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly, but it might only need a crown. Ask your dentist.
2007-10-29 05:29:23 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HOPE FOR THE BEST BUT BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST. SOMETIMES DENTISTS DO MISS THINGS.THEY ARE NOT PERFECT AND ARE NOT INCAPABLE OF ERROR.
2007-10-29 07:16:14 · answer #6 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋