Root canal

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tardtasticx

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Topic # 94420 10-Dec-2011 12:09

Ok so one of my fillings started to chip away today, which is annoying since I only got it earlier this year. I'm going to book in for an appointment next weekend with the dentist and get that sorted, but it reminded me that last time I saw them, they said there was a chance I might have to get a Root Canal done on another tooth.

So I'm freaking out about it. None of my teeth give me any pain, but I don't think I take care of them as much as I could, I still brush every day but flossing has always been annoying since it gets stuck sometimes. Anyway, have any of you had root canals done before? If so, how painful were they/how uncomfortable was the procedure?

And I'm still 17 till end of Jan next year so I'm not too concerned about the rest of the things like fillings etc. since those will be free, but will the Root Canals be covered under that programme?

Cheers,
Sam.

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Sam, Auckland

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Reply # 556327 10-Dec-2011 13:13

I've had one. I'd heard horror stories about pain but it actually wasn't too bad. Don't worry too much about it :)

I have to get two wisdoms out soonish though >.<

sbiddle

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Reply # 556353 10-Dec-2011 13:42

I had one done a few months ago by an endodontic dentist here in Wellington. To be completely honest the only pain was my bank balance, the actual discomfort levels were virtually non existant and less than many fillings I've had in the past.

Your mileage may vary between dentists, and prices well also. I had mine done by an endodontist due to some possible complications and while I paid a premium for that I certainly can't complain about the service or the procedure.

gjm

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Reply # 556362 10-Dec-2011 14:04

not a root canal but had 3 wisdom teeth pulled out a month ago. Didnt hurt too much but I did dribble quite a bit for a few days afterwards :)

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old3eyes

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Reply # 556372 10-Dec-2011 14:40

I agree with Steve. The only pain was to the bank account.

Regards,

Old3eyes

Hiamie

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Reply # 556379 10-Dec-2011 15:08

Agree with the others.... I had root canal work done earlier this year... no pain at all! I wouldn't call it a pleasant experience, but any pain was all psychological - no actual pain. But the cost.... $2,500 and consisted of a 1 hour session, and a 1.5 hour session a week later. My advice to you is focus on other activities, the root canal is not an issue to worry about (except for paying for it!)

johnr

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Reply # 556383 10-Dec-2011 15:40

As pointed out above the only pain was to my bank account when I had one done!

billgates

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Reply # 556389 10-Dec-2011 16:17

Getting one done tomorrow. Crying now due to the fees.

Do whatever you want to do man.

johnr

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Reply # 556416 10-Dec-2011 17:06

billgates: Getting one done tomorrow. Crying now due to the fees.

Must be bad if the richest man in the world is worried about his wallet

sbiddle

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Reply # 556418 10-Dec-2011 17:15

Hiamie: Agree with the others.... I had root canal work done earlier this year... no pain at all! I wouldn't call it a pleasant experience, but any pain was all psychological - no actual pain. But the cost.... $2,500 and consisted of a 1 hour session, and a 1.5 hour session a week later. My advice to you is focus on other activities, the root canal is not an issue to worry about (except for paying for it!)

Wow that was expensive. I had mine at an endodontist in Wellington who is regarded as one of the better ones in NZ and only paid $1700. That is actually considered quite expensive for Wgtn, but he is an endodontist rather than a dentist which explains the higher pricing.

keewee01

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Reply # 556569 11-Dec-2011 11:34

I had one done 2 years ago. Consisted of 3 visits to the dentist a week or two apart. Was quite a large one, but cost was under $1000.

Again, no real pain, but I HATE DENTISTS so there was lots of psychological pain!!!

They do want to put a crown on it, which I understand would be another $1000.

If you can get it done for free now - go for it... as you can see, the cost will go you significantly for you come the end of Jan!!!

cyril7

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Reply # 556578 11-Dec-2011 12:39

Yep the biggest pain is the wallet, I recently had several of my older root canals collapse as a result of exposure to extreame levels of radioactive materials for other medical issues. And I can say that re rooting old root canals is a lot more costly, your average dentist wont do it you are referred to higher authorities that have even more damaging influence on your wallet.

Just lay back and think it will be all over soon :)

Cyril

Edit, as a result of various life experiences, I have found that the best advice to give to your offspring is gain suitable education to become either a lawyer or dentist, forget this techo stuff it never earns anything like the other noted trades.

Talkiet

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Reply # 556584 11-Dec-2011 13:18

Another note confirming modern root canals are a total non-event... I only had a local and I nearly fell asleep I was so relaxed... Basically I had been in terrible pain for weeks and as soon as the local anaesthetic kicked in I went into a state of elation and actively ENJOYED the root canal experience.

I love that the huge positive reinforcement I got sitting in the chair and having my pain disappear has converted me from being apprehensive about the dentist to actively looking forward to my 6 monthly checkups.

Do it. Don't worry.

Cheers - N

keewee01

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Reply # 556586 11-Dec-2011 13:40

cyril7:

Edit, as a result of various life experiences, I have found that the best advice to give to your offspring is gain suitable education to become either a lawyer or dentist, forget this techo stuff it never earns anything like the other noted trades.

+1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

billgates

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Reply # 557247 12-Dec-2011 23:31

So the dentist told me today that instead of getting a root canal, it's better if I get my tooth pulled out and have a teeth transplant. Because the tooth is split into half (rare case), infection can again penetrate it after few years again and the root canal treatment will need to be done again so this is a permanent solution where they will put a titanium tooth and then put a crown on it after few months.

only $4k.

edit - yes I got my tooth pulled out. Now that the anesthesia's effect is over. THE PAIN!!!!! THE PAIN!!!!!

Do whatever you want to do man.

keewee01

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Reply # 557292 13-Dec-2011 09:09

billgates: So the dentist told me today that instead of getting a root canal, it's better if I get my tooth pulled out and have a teeth transplant. Because the tooth is split into half (rare case), infection can again penetrate it after few years again and the root canal treatment will need to be done again so this is a permanent solution where they will put a titanium tooth and then put a crown on it after few months.

only $4k.

edit - yes I got my tooth pulled out. Now that the anesthesia's effect is over. THE PAIN!!!!! THE PAIN!!!!!

One very important rule there - if you have the option of root canal or teeth pulled, take the root canal option (unless you're having the tooth replaced like billgates is). In my younger days I had some "sick" teeth and each time was given the option of root canal ($$$$$$$$$$$$$) or having the tooth pulled. Not having a whole lot of disposable income at the time, each time I opted for having it pulled. 3 in total over a period of 4 or 5 years. All on the same side.

Then I had issues with another tooth about 4 years later. The dentist that time told me not to have it pulled as all that would happen would be the pressure that goes on that tooth would be transferred to the surrounding teeth and the same fate would be come them - and that that was what likely happened on the other side of my mouth, and also probably caused this one too!!! Bloody dentists! Why did none of the earlier dentists think to tell me this!???

So lesson is - don't have teeth pulled. Keep em all!

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