Do I need Root Canal after Cavity filling?

Question

I just recently for cavity filling done. My dentist initially said I may need root canal, but she did cavity filling instead. Last week when I went to get crown, I still had pain, then she said I may need root canal, but she went ahead with crown. Now after a week it still hurts, bite also needs to be adjusted and I may need to get a root canal. But my questions is do I need to pay her for root canal as well? I aleady paid her for cavity filling which did not work.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello there,I would recommend returning to your dentist for a follow up. It is important that your bite be even and that you are not hitting on a particular tooth harder than the others. A bite that is off can cause chewing pain, jaw pain, headaches and other issues. It sounds like your dentist removed a cavity that was close to the pulp (nerve) and prepped your tooth for a crown. Your dentist will continue to monitor your tooth and if symptoms persist then a root canal will be recommended.  If this is the case, you would be expected to pay the cost of the root canal. Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions. Sarah Thompson, DMDSt. Louis, MO area (O'Fallon, IL)Real Self 100

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
There are cases, like yours, when it is can go either way in a sense of doing a root canal right away or do a filling and hoping for the best. We call them borderline cases. As dentists, we are being trained to be conservative and choose the easiest and less costly way to save patients teeth. A filling is a first and most conservative treatment option, when there is a deep cavity. I always warn my patients that a root canal might be needed in such case. I give them an options: to pay and do a root canal now or do a filling.  Most of mine patients choose  not to do a root canal therapy until it absolutely necessary.

Richard Sprague, DDS · Answer

root canals can needed anytime that you work on a tooth.  In your case it seems that the dentist tried to be conservative and just do a filling in a cavity that was close to the nerve.   As for fees, those are separate from the original filling fee.    Most of the time , your dentist will apply the filling fee towards the more expensive procedure as a courtesy .Your tooth will not feel better prior to your bite adjustment and root canal and new crown.  The procedure should take about 2 hours , from start to finish and with cad cam dentistry, they should be able to make your final crown In one visit

Do I need Root Canal after Cavity filling?

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Do I need Root Canal after Cavity filling?

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