Should I seek a second opinion about getting a root canal?

I'm 23 and the dentist said this one tooth has a cavity that's probably too deep. The same dentist also filled one of my other teeth that had a tooth ache which hasn't completely gone away.. Should I seek a 2nd opinion before I get the root canal?

Hi, while all root canals are not 100% guaranteed to work, they do work the majority of the time. I have one myself and have never had a problem. When I was about your age I did not have dental insurance, and was not yet a hygienist. I had a tooth pulled that could have been saved from a root canal, and boy have I regretted it ever since. I have now had an implant placed in the area that I had the tooth pulled with a crown on top of the implant. Cost about 2500 hundred dollars. That is with my dental professional discount. If you can save the tooth with a root canal do it. Not all dentists are trying to scam you, I don't understand this belief. Do not listen to the above person that said you will loose that tooth and two others. That is dental ignorance. If you feel uncomfortable with your dentists diagnosis get a second opinion. There are no absolutes in dentistry just like the medical profession. You can never predict how something will work. There are too many variables. Patient compliance is a huge part of dental success or failure. If you are not going to do the work at home to make your dentition better then you may as well not spend the money. Dentists like doctors are not miracle workers, they can only do what they think is the best course for you. My advice being a dental professional and a root canal recipient? Get a second opinion, then If the second opinion matches with the first, go for it. It will save you aggravation in the end. The more teeth you lose, the more bone you lose, which ends up making you look older then you are. You know the sunken cheek look?

Take it from me...I've had much work done on my own teeth and YES...get a 2nd opinion...try to get a referral from someone you know. Root canals are EXPENSIVE and the dentist will recommend even if you don't need.

Yeah, I would, ask around your peers and see who they go to. If a dentist can't make a toothache go away, he isn't very good, and he could really do some damage.

Yes, definately get a 2nd opinion. My buudy a Dentist and he says that there is a lot of guesswork in dentistry as all medical fields, and RC's are making the dentist good money.

Yes, get a second opinion. While you're at it, get the dentist to look at that other filling, too. Chances are something went funky and the dentist didn't fill it properly. Believe me, teeth that are infected due to bad fillings are no fun at all and can require surgery.

If your don't trust your dentist I would question it. I have heard a lot of stories about root canals being so pain full and hurting for ever. I had one and Within about 3 hours I could not feel the tooth at all. no pain or anything. It hurt for a couple hours but since then no pain at all.

DO NOT GET A ROOT CANAL!!!!
Dentist need to make money like everyone else so they play with ppl's mouths by suggesting ROOT CANAL'S! It will not help!!! You will lose the tooth anyway and at least 2 other teeth will fall out b/c of this 'much needed' root canal! Save yourself alot of time, money and embarrassment and get the dang tooth pulled!!! Once u have a root canal, that same 'tooth' the dentist is trying 2 'save' will fall out anyway along with the 2 teeth surrounding it! Root canal's are worthless! (to the patient, not the dentist!)

it is in your best physical, and financial interest to get a second opinion. Your teeth as well as the rest of your body should be given top prioity in all matters, but you must be sure of what someone that has a financial gain intends to do with something you must live with for a life time. It's your body, take care of it. You are worth the cost of a second opinion, and it may also prove to be less costly to you. A good dentist should always feel comfortable with your decision to ask for a point of you from another professional.

even though it hurts a lot it is the best for u!!

Yes,I think you should seek a second opinion before getting a root canal.

no , if the dentist says you need it, i would listen to him

if the decay is too deep that has to be treated by root canal treatment if you had pain at least once on that.you cant avoid root canal trt if you want to save it or go for removal. when the decay reaches the nerve tissue (pulp),then only the pain starts. RCT is to remove the infected nerve tissues and to save the tooth by mummifying the tooth. No dentist do RCT if it is not necessary. If you are doubt on ur dentist just ask him for the X Ray and you can see how deep your tooth decay is. hope you will get the best treatment

get a second opinion, i had to visit 4 different dentist before i found one that really cared, i actually called 1-800-dentist, they were great, they found me the most awesome dentist...