Do endodontists recommend root canal just for severe pain or only if the pulp is damaged or infected?

[Moonchilde@2714]

I am going to have a tooth re-evaluated. Three weeks ago an endodontist told me there was no inflammation or infection in the tooth, but she failed to diagnose a crack in the ossilingual surface which was diagnosed by an emergency clinic. I had the crack bonded but I am not sure it was done properly as a small depression in the area remains and the tooth continues to hurt severely. Now I am going to a new endodontist but I don’t want to have root canal if the problem is that the crack wasn’t properly bonded. Do I have any reason to worry I will be told to have root canal even if I don’t really need it?

 

[Dr M]

Based on the severity of the symptoms you are describing, there is a chance that the crack already caused irreversible pulpal inflammation. The chances are high that it will end up in a root canal treatment unfortunately.

 

[Dental cure and care]

I am going to have a tooth re-evaluated. Three weeks ago an endodontist told me there was no inflammation or infection in the tooth, but she failed to diagnose a crack in the ossilingual surface which was diagnosed by an emergency clinic. I had the crack bonded but I am not sure it was done properly as a small depression in the area remains and the tooth continues to hurt severely. Now I am going to a new endodontist but I don’t want to have root canal if the problem is that the crack wasn’t properly bonded. Do I have any reason to worry I will be told to have root canal even if I don’t really need it?

As you prepare for your appointment with a new endodontist, it’s important to communicate all your symptoms clearly. Explain your previous evaluations, treatments received (including bonding), and ongoing pain. If your new endodontist finds that the crack was not properly bonded and this is causing your pain, they may recommend re-evaluating or redoing the bonding rather than proceeding directly to a root canal.
There is always some level of uncertainty in medical diagnoses, clear communication with your new endodontist about your history and current symptoms will help ensure that you receive appropriate care tailored to your specific situation.
You should express any concerns regarding unnecessary procedures during your consultation. A thorough examination should clarify whether further intervention like a root canal is warranted based on objective findings rather than assumptions.

 

[CurtisBrawley11]

If you're experiencing severe dental pain, it’s best to consult a dentist or endodontist for a thorough evaluation.

 

[Moonchilde@2714]

Now this endodontist told me the crack is not on the root (I never said it was) and he thinks I need root canal because of the ongoing pain. I don't know what kind of answer that is. If I have a crack there, which he isn't really telling me, why can't it be fixed before I go to root canal? I knew this was going to happen. How do I find a dentist that will really diagnose if the crack is there or not, not only review my CBCT scan and look at it visually, but use some other diagnostic methods? (I also have a suspected crack on another tooth that dentists are disagreeing about).

 

[Dental cure and care]

To find a dentist who will thoroughly diagnose your suspected cracks using advanced methods beyond just visual inspection and CBCT analysis, consider these steps . Look for dentists who specialize in endodontics or restorative dentistry. They often have more experience with complex cases involving cracks. Check their qualifications, experience level, and any additional training in advanced diagnostic techniques. Ask for recommendations from friends or family who have had similar issues or consult online reviews focusing on patient experiences regarding diagnosis accuracy. If possible, get second opinions from different practitioners to compare their assessments and recommended treatments.

If you suspect a crack exists but are being advised to undergo root canal treatment without further investigation into potential repairs, it’s crucial to communicate your concerns clearly with your dentist. Explain that you would like comprehensive diagnostics before proceeding with invasive treatments like root canals.

In some cases, if a crack is identified early enough and is not too severe, it might be possible to treat it conservatively through bonding or crowns rather than resorting immediately to root canal therapy.