Did i wait too long for a root canal?

[teddy123]

Hello,

I am posting this because i am a little worried.

About 8 months ago i went to the dentist, which told me i need multiple root canals.

I have only today made an appointment for another x-ray to see if root canal is still possible or the tooth/teeth have to be extracted.

(the reason i did not go earlier is because of personal problems)

Now the last 2 weeks the pain in my teeth has become so severe that i have made a new appointment.

However now i am afraid that the infection has spread too deep in the tooth, so that it is too late for root canal(s).

The pain i am feeling is an annoying pain and its becoming to the point of becoming very very distracting to do every day things.

My question is, is it likely too late for a root canal or does stuff have to get REALLY bad before a tooth needs extraction and should i stop worrying and can i expect that root canal is still possible?

I know this is not much to go on and difficult to say, but any insight is appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[Dr M]

It depends. Pain level is not usually an indication of the possibility of a root canal being performed. The main indicator is usually how much decay is present on the tooth and if there is enough healthy tooth structure left to make it restorable.