I have a deep decay in my tooth do i need a root canal
Q. Hi – I have been advised by my dentist that because of deep decay I need a root canal (last molder). But the tooth in question has no infection, no pain. My dentist now has cleaned the decay and closed the tooth with a provisional filling. In a few weeks I face a root canal treatment in excess of £1000 (incl. crown). My question is: do I really need a root canal? The tooth is calm, and if a precision crown is fitted, would it not seal the tooth effectively to avoid bacteria infecting the pulp? I just want to avoid killing a tooth just because of some decay … Some 20 years ago I had a similar case (I believe) and didn’t opt for the root canal; that tooth is still going strong. What are my options? Does it make sense to ask my dentist to only fit a crown without the underlying root canal treatment? Or am I asking for trouble?
A. If there is decay under the tooth then you can’t have a crown as the decay will continue causing pain in the future. If the decay is that deep then the tooth should really be root canalled as a precaution prior to crowning. The only other option you have is to clean out the tooth and if the nerve/root canal isn’t exposed you could wait for 3 months to see if the tooth settles down without a root canal
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