possible root canal or pulled..scared, HELP!! - Dental Health Message Board

icha87 · 06-22-2008, 10:18 AM

I have had many problems with my teeth. I had 3 different fillings already. The tooth in question is my bottom right third molar. It is HUGE and the problem started when I was in sixth grade. They put a filling in for the cavity but the filling just leaked, or I don't know how to describe it it just came off. Came back to the dentist and he put another filling, after 3-4 more fillings that took me up to eigth grade, I gave up. The tooth didn't give me so much problem so i just let it be. It decayed, of course, but i did took extra care of it but it didn't work. Now I'm 21 and it hurts like no other. My current dentist recommended a root canal about 2 years ago, but he didn't proceed because according to him it hasn't bothered me yet so just let it be. I don't have insurance currently (health insurance that is) so I'm scared of the pricing. I looked it up online and it says for a big tooth like mine it can range from 800-1200 for root canal. Should I just pull it out? If I do I'm scared of a gaping hole, complications with chewing, moving teeth, and so on. I'm scared of the pain because I read some of the other posts about root canals gone wrong. I'm going to have to set up an appointment I'm just scared of DENTISTS I haven't found any dentist that I'm comfortable and trust yet. So should I do a root canal or should I just pull it off? How can I deal with this PAIN?! I'm scared to go but this pain is too much for me to handle as well. Please help!!

taape · 06-22-2008, 12:14 PM

Does Loma Linda Univeristy Hospital have a dental school or clinic. I'd go there and ask. Lots of times dental schools can offer low cost or no cost treatment. There must be a dental school in your area. Try and save your tooth by getting the root canal. Things get complicated when you have missing teeth and more expensive to get bridges or implants. Sometimes insurances don't even pay for these treatments so I wouldn't wait around, go look for low cost dental services.

SusanGene · 06-25-2008, 08:46 AM

Find a root canal specialist that will let you pay out the bill monthly. If such a person exists. It will cost about a thousand for a root canal then you may have to pay another $400 or more for a crown. I was TERRIFIED when I went to get my only root canal. Plus, he doesn't even use gas. I did not feel ANYTHING until hours later and my face swelled up for a week. That didn't even hurt much.
I wish I knew if dentists allow you to pay out on treatment. Can you put it on a credit card then make small payments on that?

Evie4 · 06-25-2008, 09:18 PM

You are too young to have your tooth pulled if it can be repaired. The posters make good points--I agree. This is something worth fixing. Yes, you have to do some searching. You can even check with your local United Way and see if they can give you some direction on where you might find some resources or leads. I had to have a root canal when I was young and didn't have insurance. I paid for the root canal and then wore a temporary crown for 6 months until I could afford the permanent crown. Also, you need to do something quick. You could have/get an abcess. I had that and it hurt like heck. I hope you get this fixed and don't have the tooth pulled. And yes...unfortunately is expensive.

tweet722 · 07-26-2008, 02:30 PM

Okay so I'm the BIGGEST scaredy cat EVER...I'm scared of EVERYTHING...Major anxiety..etc. I was terrified to get a root canal but it was absolutely wonderful if a root canal can be wonderful. As long as you have a good, competent dentist, you'll be FINE. I swear I'm the last person to ever think I'd get a root canal and be fine. I felt NOTHING. Now mind you, my Mom and Dad got one from our old dentist and had pain. SO ask around and find a good dentist and I promise you won't have any pain!