Dh needs to see an endodontist-advice?

[Petersmamma]

Sigh. Dh went to the dentist today to get a VERY overdue cavity filled (and a huge part of me thinks that if he would have dealt with this when he first found out he would not now be talking to endodontists) and found out that he needs a serious root canal.

Is there anything we can do to reverse this, speed healing, help his other teeth (he has old fillings that will need to be replaced, the dentist told him so, though that may have to wait 'cause the endodontist is probably going to suck all our funds)?

Thanks for any and all advice!

[delfin]

no advice really, Im just googling about the dangers of root canals and freaking out a little.
sorry, just read into it, hope everything gets better

[fremontmama]

We are in a somewhat similar situation. Dh was told he needs a root canal, but I think we should get a second opinion. I'm curious what others might say in answer to your question.....:

[Petersmamma]

Dh had to go back to the dentist to get another set of X-rays to send to the endodontist and this time he got to see MY dentist (I heart her!). Now he's trying to figure out a way to tactfully switch (which he doesn't even need to worry about...you just call and say I need an appt with Dr. X), but there are only the two dentists, so....

Anyway! My dentist explained to him exactly what is going on (she's cool like that). He has some sort of infection that you can see as a dark spot. To get rid of it, it can either go down (through the tooth) or up (into his head). But it can only go down if there is a cavity to go through, and there is no cavity. So pressure is building up, and eventually the infection will move farther into his head. Eek! Not a good thing.

He needed a referral to see the endodontist, so hopefully we'll be able to get that appt soon and see what they say. Oh, and in dh's case, apparently his roots are kind of curved, making it a NON textbook case. Great!

[fremontmama]

Glad you got some progress in the situation! We did too. I got dh to agree to a second opinion and he has an appt tomorrow. Our dentist (who (m?) we have decided to leave) didnt make the appt for the root canal until a month out!!!!! Poor dh is in pain. I am glad he will be getting it checked out further tomorrow.

[SleeplessMommy]

When I have had a root canal procedure (more than once!), it was done the same day. Some dentists will refer you to an endodontist, others do it in-house. The endo specialist should have a higher success rate - then you go back to a regular dentist for a crown. If you get an "emergency" root canal appointment, there may be a follow up to finish it.

[lanamommyphd07]

I had my fourth root canal last week---they're nothing, really, and way better than the horrid pain that comes from the infected root.....but OOUCH on the pocketbook....

[fremontmama]

Originally Posted by SleeplessMommy

When I have had a root canal procedure (more than once!), it was done the same day. Some dentists will refer you to an endodontist, others do it in-house. The endo specialist should have a higher success rate - then you go back to a regular dentist for a crown. If you get an "emergency" root canal appointment, there may be a follow up to finish it.

See, I thought booking another appt a month out was really weird. I mean, if your schedule is full, shouldnt you refer someone who is in pain to another office? So glad dh is in to see someone today, I think it will all get resolved now. Which is good b/c our 2nd baby is due about the same time his original appt was, and I would hate to be in labor either during his root canal appt or right after.

Originally Posted by lanamommyphd07

I had my fourth root canal last week---they're nothing, really, and way better than the horrid pain that comes from the infected root.....but OOUCH on the pocketbook....

Yeah, that hit to the bank acct is something I feel a little nervous about too. We'll just cross that bridge when we get to it I guess

[fremontmama]

Okay, so the results from the 2nd opinion. They dont think a root canal is worth it. There is only about 30% or less of the tooth that is able to be salvaged. And to rebuild from there would be incredibly costly. They think the root canal and restructuring would run at least $3000!!!!!!!!! The other option is extraction, which dh feels comfortable with. They have an appt for next week. And he also got a prescription for some mild pain relievers and antibiotics b/c there was a slight infection. So, he is doing much better! Hooray. And it looks like we are on the road to recovery. Thank goodness!