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About Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD
Expertise
I can answer your questions about root canal therapy in general. PLEASE DO NOT ask me to diagnose your particular problems or recommend treatment as I cannot do this without examining you and seeing your x-rays.

Experience
I am a Board-certified endodontist, former university department Chairman, teach dental residents, and have a private practice.

Organizations
ADA, AAE, ICD, AAOM, FDI, AMSUS, AAOB

Publications
J of Endodontics, Endodontics and Dental Traumatology, O,O,O, Military Medicine, Medical Bulletin, J of Dental Education

Education/Credentials
DDS, MS (Oral Biology), certificate in Endodontics

Awards and Honors
Surgeon General's "A" Designator, Fellowship ICD, Order of Military Medical Merit

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Dentistry > Dentistry > Root Canal Immediately?

Dentistry - Root Canal Immediately?

Expert: Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD - 10/10/2009

Question
Hi, I chipped my right bottom molar 4 weeks ago and the dentist asked me to go get a deep cleaning first and then to come back to get a cap. I did and came back to fix the chip a few days ago. It didn't hurt at all, it was just bugging me. I made it clear that I only had $500 dollars left on my insurance and didn't want to pay too much out of pocket. We agreed on $800 and started the procedure. In the middle of the procedure, she suddenly warned me that I could require a root canal. She pulled out the old filling and immediately said, "yup, you need a root canal, your root is exposed", and called out to someone else, "He needs an RTC!". They put the temp cap on and tried to pressure me in to setting an appointment the very next day to get it done. I declined to have time to think about it.
They have called me twice, warning me up and down about the consequences of not getting it done immediately and lowered the cost down to $995. My insurance balance kicks back in on Jan 1, or 80 days. They don't want me to wait and would make me sign a waiver if I do....next steps, put the new cap on with temp cement.
What bugs me is that there was no expectations set that this could happen...could they not have at least guessed that it might be a possibility by the x-ray and told me ahead of time? Could we have held off from fixing the chip for another month or so? Did pulling out the old filling cause the need for a root canal? What if I never chipped my tooth...we would have never known? Would I have still needed to root canal? I'm not in pain and no sensitivity to hot/cold. Can I wait until, either the "time bomb" thing happens or until my insurance kicks back in? Or is my world going to come to an end like they profess?
Thanks, JP

Answer
I have no idea what your situation was prior to the work you had done, what the problem currently is, or whether or not it could have been avoided. If your tooth is not painful, then you can wait with no ill effects until you have the money for the procedure. Again, I say this without having enough information, but if your tooth was vital you risk nothing by waiting.

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