I have a tooth that has needed a root canal for over a year. The only time the tooth hurts is if I try to chew on it. I had no problem with tooth until I started having my amalgams removed & replaced with composites. My question is, is there any harm in not having anything done to the tooth for a while longer? I am very allergic to meds & chemicals. I have heard they wash the tooth out with formaldehyde and I could not tolerate that but I need to try to save this tooth. I can't decide what to do. Thanks.

The longer you wait, the greater the chance of losing the tooth. No dentist I know uses formaldehyde, the use sodium hypochlorite, which is really bleach, to wash out the tooth, then fill it with an inert substance, usually gutta percha. As far as allergic reactions go, I wouldn't worry about a root canal. You obviously have had the anasthetic without problems. Go ahead and do it

Thanks very much for the encouragement.

Formaldehyde was once used to treat the nerve of the tooth. I'm not sure how much this is still used by dentists today.

Since you are a chemical-sensitive person, it's important for you to talk to your dentist about this sensitivity. Gutta percha is a latex material, but is considered bio-inert from what I've read from many sources. For latex-allergic individuals it is recommended by some to not use gutta percha mixed with gutta balata. There are also other chemicals to discuss with your dentists that may be used.

Note that it's well known that some of these root canaled teeth fail for various reasons. Some researchers and health praticioners are concerned that a majority of these root canaled teeth are filled with bacteria and produce very dangerous toxins. I'd read about it, and ask lots of questions before proceeding.

You may want to get the opinion from a number of dentists, to make sure that you make the best decision regarding this treatment for your tooth.

Thanks so much, that is a lot to think about. I'm in an area where I don't have many options for a dentist. Thanks again.