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Dentistry/root canal urgency?
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Question
In early August my general dentist suggested that I see an endodontist for a root canal for a lower molar. He said that there was decay under a filing which was too close to the nerve. For other medical reasons I had to delay this procedure. I am was in no pain and continue to be in no pain. I went to see the endodontist to confirm his findings-she concured. Mentally, I am not ready to have this procedure done, even though I have had two in the past. How long is too long to wait to have the root canal done? Is it possible that the dentist could just fill the tooth for the time being? Please inform.
Hi Caryn
The longer you leave it the more likely you are to experience pain and infection. It is impossible to say how long you could leave it, but if this is going to be a reasonable time then you could get your general dentist to remove the decay and the pulp and place a temporary filling.
Regards
Tony Appleton
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Answers by Expert:
- Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired
- Dr. Randolph Myerson
- Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD
- Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO
- Tony Appleton BDS DPDS
- Rafael Mosery,D.D.S.
- Jeff Dalin DDS
- Luis Granados DDS MS ESP.
- Zev Kaufman, D.D.S.
- Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD
- Stephen J. Moss
- Crystal Baxter DMD< MDS
- Lawrence Spindel DDS, www.lspindeldds.com
- Dr Craig Peck ( B.Med.Sc., B.Ch.D., M.Sc., Clin. Botox, Cosmet. Derm.)
- Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD
- Susan Tannenbam
- Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com
- Dr.Mike Glasmeier
- Larry Burnett DDS
- Ketan Amin, DMD
- Dr. Madhvendra T. Singh
- Simarjit kalra
- dr mayank kaurani BDS, MDS
- Mohamed Elsafi, DDS, MS, FACP
- Lawrence Gold
- Veselin Shumantov DDS
Tony Appleton BDS DPDS
Expertise
I am an experienced general dental practitioner in private dental practice. I have worked for the past 25 or so years in the UK, and own a busy practice in Stratford upon Avon, Stratford Dental. From early 2012 my wife and I moved to Canberra, Australia, where I have taken up the position of Lead Dentist in a large city-centre practice. I will happily answer questions related to general practice, and have interests in endodontics (root canal), dental implants, CEREC/E4D cad-cam dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.
Experience
I have been a general dental practitioner for over 25 years, working initially under the NHS, but since 2001 have been solely in private practice. I run a busy practice with my wife, Lisa, who is also a dentist. I have also been closely involved in the training of young dentists, and have lectured to dentists on a variety of subjects, both clinical and managerial, related to general dental practice.
Organizations
British Dental Association
Publications
British Dental Journal
Cancer Treatment Reviews
Education/Credentials
BDS Sheffield 1986 DPDS Bristol 2001
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