Is it unusual to need three root canals, extractions, and implants over four years? I floss and brush my teeth daily and keep my dental cleaning appointments. My dentist put three teeth on watch status, but eventually one by one, he said the tooth needed a root canal. Then, he could not save the tooth and said I needed a dental implant. The last incident was two months ago, and I told my dentist to do nothing with the tooth because I was not sure anything was wrong with it. How do I know whether my dentist’s evaluations are accurate? Can I get compensated somehow? My anxiety level has escalated, and I am unsure whether I can take another root canal. Thank you. JC from Houston
JC,
Dr. Thomas would need to examine your teeth and x-rays for an accurate diagnosis. Still, we will answer your question in general.
Is Three Root Canals Within Four Years Unusual?
Three root canals within four years are unusual for teeth with no significant concerns during the last visit. Decay beneath an old filling can progress rapidly, but that is not the situation you described. When a dentist is watching a tooth, any signs of decay should be minor. For a tooth to progress to requiring root canal treatment or an extraction seems to be negligence. If your dentist saw signs that your tooth might become impossible to save, he should have treated the decay before it progressed to losing the tooth.
Get a Second Opinion
The only way to know if your dentist’s diagnosis is accurate regarding root canal therapy for another tooth is to get a second opinion. You may request your dental x-rays from your current dentist or ask the dentist to transfer them.
It can be challenging to prove your dentist’s negligence and get a refund. Speak with your new dentist about the possibility of getting compensated if you have a series of x-rays that prove you did not need tooth replacement with dental implants.
We recommend looking for two dentists with advanced implant and cosmetic dentistry training. Request a consultation with each dentist before choosing your new provider. Ask about sedation options to help you relax.
Sugar Land, Texas dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.