Root Canal Question - Dental Health Message Board

sam061 · 12-27-2004, 06:03 PM

My dentist is going to replace old stainless crowns (molar and premolar side by side) with poreclian crowns. Both he and his hygenist said I probably would have to have root canals. I have no pain or anything. He said they needed to be replaced because there was food being trapped underneath the at the gumline. Which means there is decay on the tooth. This has to be true for they have been on for many years and I can feel with my tongue that the bottom of the stainless steel crown is not snug against my gum.

I was told the reason for the root canals are that anytime the nerve is bothered their is a tendency to need a root canal later on. I just want to get a second opinon. This involves a lot of money. In fact over $3000.

In the past I have had many porclian crowns and there was no root canal needed. Of course this is back in my younger days. So if any of you are knowledgable in dentistry I sure would likey your opinion. -sam

susieq52 · 12-28-2004, 01:36 PM

I have to have a crown replaced soon for the same reason but not a root canal with that. I do have to have a root canal done on another tooth tomorrow because there's an infection and then I have to have that tooth replaced. That tooth is sensitive though. For all that money I would get a second opinion. It won't cost $3000. for a second opinion.

norrell · 12-28-2004, 04:14 PM

Yes a second opinion would not hurt. Your dentist and hygienist said you probably need a root canal but they didnt' say you DO need one. It usually is not necessary to get a root canal unless the tooth is bothering you. RC can be done later if the tooth bothers you after the crowns are done. They just drill right thru the crowns to do the RC. Also unless you have decay under the existing crowns and the decay is into the nerve of the tooth then you would definitely need a RC. So it does not sound like you need one from what you said. Also it's good that you are getting rid of those stainless steel crowns. They are always bothersome and actually not meant to be permanent crowns for adults. They used to do that a long time ago but it's been outdated. Now its usually porcelain or gold crowns because they hug the teeth better and you won't have food/plaque traps under the crown margins.