root canal treatment - NHS and private costs & pros and cons

Olympika

Amy I am not a dentist but as far as I understand it the going rate for RC success is about 90-95% successful for the first time it is done on any particular tooth. The chances of it succeeding go down if you have to have it redone. Mine was done super-carefully, but one of the roots was just too curved around to clean out properly, which is why mine didn't work.

I am not totally sure of the answer for the second question but as far as I understand it, if the pulp of the tooth is infected then yup, the tooth either needs RC or extracting. but am sure Toothsmith can give you some advice

Really hope you get it sorted asap, you poor thing having such awful pain on holiday!

Bf109 - I second everything hethmar has said

Toothsmith

Amy83 wrote: »

1) After reading this thread it seems like many root canals aren’t very successful. I’m going travelling at the start of next year for 8 months, and if it’s likely to flare up and cause me pain while I’m in the middle of nowhere then I think I’d rather have it taken out now? I know it’s no exact science as to whether it’ll work or not, I’m more after personal opinion?

It depends how it's done, and who does it. And - to some extent, how much you're prepared to pay.

There are some good dentists still on the NHS, but statistically, you're much more likely to get a decent root filling if you see someone privately.

Root fillings done under rubber dam are 20-30% more likely to be successful, so make sure the dentist uses rubber dam.

If you can afford to get referred to a specialist endodontist, then get your dentist to do this. Most specialists run at success rates of 95%.

Amy83 wrote: »

2) My emergency dentist said I ‘may’ need a root canal. But if I’m reading right on this thread, as the tooth is infected then it’s definite that I will need one, there’s no maybe about it?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Pretty much, but no-one can ever give definites until they have all the information, and it's very hard to do a thorough check-up in an emergency situation.

Bf109

That. Was. Painful.

Seriously. I had to ask for another injection.

edit - to be honest though, one I'd got used to that type and level of pain it was fine. Still much rather that than have an extraction.

I think its just my metabolism - its always been the case that the injections take ages to take effect. Normally round about the time the dentist has finished up. (prolly why I aboid the dentist!)

Now the entire left side my head is numb. Even my ear is numb!

Toothsmith

I have a patient like that.

If he needs treatment he just comes in 1/2 hour before his appointment, I get him in and put in the anaesthetic, then he goes back and sits in the waiting room until the proper time.

Have a word with your dentist next time - even ring them up and ask if you can do this for the next stage (Athough stage 2 is really only working on a nerveless tooth, so often is even less likely to be a problem than the first one.) It often isn't a problem, so long as you've got the extra time to sit and wait.

Bf109

Thanks Toothsmith. I'm going to call them about that because next time its straight to the nerve, no mucking around with temp fillings and dentine.

He dug around a bit with the long thin bits (super-pain) then filled them with airfix glue (toe-clenching pain). Is that normal on a first-time-round?

hethmar

Bf109 - but you arent dead and you are well enough to come on here and tell us about it Well done. Im the opposite, my face gets numb quickly and my heart starts beating fast - I keep telling them every time in case I need any help - lol.

Well, the digging around with long thin bits is normal thats when they are cleaning out the root canals. Cant say I came out with a 747 model attached to my jaw any time though

Bf109

hethmar wrote: »

Well, the digging around with long thin bits is normal thats when they are cleaning out the root canals. Cant say I came out with a 747 model attached to my jaw any time though

I think its the Bismark.

Tooth is fine so far. Jaw is a bit sore from the gallon of novocaine he had to pump in though......

Olympika

Yikes, am sorry you had a rougher time than we had led you to believe... I feel a bit daft now, but I guess folk can only go on their own experience and mine was ok! I go numb very fast too - the type of anaesthetic I had when I had the extraction made me faint, felt like my heart was going to explode! I think that sometimes if there is already an advanced infection present and / or you're very worked up about the whole procedure, that can mean the anaesthetic isn't quite as effective??

hethmar

You sound same as me Olympika, I get a bit scared so I tell them that now as you can feel your heart pumping fast cant you.

SparkyG

Toothsmith wrote: »

If he needs treatment he just comes in 1/2 hour before his appointment, I get him in and put in the anaesthetic, then he goes back and sits in the waiting room until the proper time.

That is EXACTLY what happens to me:D Last time I needed a filling in the bottom jaw, my dentist asked me to come in 1/2 hour early. But when I got there the previous patient had cancelled so he called me in straight away. I was bricking it, but he waited ages after first injection, then 2nd injection.... still not numb, so he gave me pdl injection (Toothsmith will know what that is;) ) down side of tooth, and everything was ok!

If you find a dentist who knows you and your mouth, as Toothsmith says, stick with them, as continuity is the key to good treatment. I have previously seen dentists who have regarded my failure to get numb as a personal slight, and that does not inspire confidence:mad: