Hello there
I have been seeing an endodontist for the last two years regarding a problem tooth (top right, second front).
I went to see her following years of a non-painful ‘bubble’ appearing on my gum and following 2 root canal treatments which had not been done very well (spaced a few years apart).
The specialist carried out a third root canal but the ‘bubble’ (sinus) persisted which sometimes (infrequently) discharges fluid.
I have no pain but do understand the infection will have to be treated eventually by apicoectomy, as is her recommendation.
I have a dilemma in that what most bothers me is the colour of the tooth which has darkened a lot. It is at the front and I am really self-conscious of it. It is affecting my confidence and I don’t like smiling and have avoided photos for the last year.
The endodontist attempted ‘internal bleaching’ but it has not really worked. She has now recommended I go to another dentist for a crown/veneer.
However – my dilemma is I can’t have a crown/veneer until 3 months following the apicoectomy. I am looking at a dark tooth for another few months which is frustrating.
She has also quoted a staggering £450 for an apicoectomy which I am just unable to afford right now. (A year ago she quoted £200 so I am v upset at the leap in price).
I really want to do what it takes to get my tooth white again. And it seems the only way to get there is to have the apicoectomy first. I’d be quite happy to leave the apicoectomy for a few months as I have no pain at all (just a bubble which appears now and then) but then it would mean having to live with a dark tooth (and now a dark gum which has become worse over the last few months) and I now want to fix it.
I wanted to ask if you can recommend an alernative action to the apicoectomy (ie – do I have rights with regards to the big increase in price or is this something I can do on the NHS)? Would an apicoectomy also help eliminate the dark gum?
Thank you for any help