Root Canal - Endodontist or denist?

mvron

Advice please. I visited a new dentist last week as my previous dentist has relocated abroad. The new dentist advised a root canal. That was no surprise as my previous dentist had advised that a few months ago.

My previous dentist had advised that due to long roots, well into the jaw, he felt that a referral to a endodontist/dental hospital was in order. The new dentist told me that she could "probably" do it on-site, so I wouldn't need a referral, and that I should make an appointment with her next week to start the root canal work.

I'm less concerned re the cost (approx €700) than the question of whether or not I should allow my new dentist to proceed with a root canal without insisting on a referral. I had a root canal done many years ago through another practice and was referred to an endodontist for that treatment.

Any advice would be most appreciated as I've been experiencing some pain in that tooth in recent weeks and am anxious to proceed with the most appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

georgieporgy

Many dentists perform root canal treatments very well. In fact most root canals are done by GPs. Some dentists don't like doing root canals for a variety of reasons. Or some may only do 'easy' ones. Unfortunately it is difficult for you as a layman to make a judgement on the capabilities of your new dentist. You could ask her to persuade you a bit by discussing your concerns and ask if she feels quite confident doing it.

But you do know that you had a good experience with your previous endodontist. If money is not an issue why not just go back to that place?

mvron

Thanks for you reply Georgie. You're absolutely right - as a layman I just can't make that judgement re my new dentist and so don't have a sense of comfort around it.

Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the endodontist I was previously referred to. I have a feeling he was somewhere in Dublin 4 (it looked like an apartment complex!). I think I'll contact the other practice and ask them for details of that endodontist.

Many thanks

mvron

After giving this issue a lot of thought I changed dentists last month. My new dentist took x-rays etc and was not convinced about the need for a root canal. He cleaned out the infected tooth and put in a temporary painkilling filling. I haven't had a moment's trouble with the tooth since and if this continues a permanent filling will go in within a few weeks. BTW the new dentist doesn't do root canal procedures but was more than happy to write a letter of referral to an endodontist if required.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Glad you got a satisfactory resolution.

res ipsa

mvron wrote: »

After giving this issue a lot of thought I changed dentists last month. My new dentist took x-rays etc and was not convinced about the need for a root canal. He cleaned out the infected tooth and put in a temporary painkilling filling. I haven't had a moment's trouble with the tooth since and if this continues a permanent filling will go in within a few weeks. BTW the new dentist doesn't do root canal procedures but was more than happy to write a letter of referral to an endodontist if required.

Thanks for posting an update. It sounds to me like youve found a good dentist.