Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 12/9/2009

Question
I am probably going to need a root canal done in the near future.
1. can I go to an Endodondist to have him do the root canal or do I have to go to a family dentist?
2. after root canal is done- will it require a crown be placed over the tooth?
Another question
3. I recently have started with a new dentist. He checked a crown on my back molar by inserting his pointy tool into the top of my crown & yanking at it quite aggressively. After leaving I looked at it & noticed a tiny hole on top of the crown.
Could this not cause me trouble with the crown/tooth now?
I ask this because today I noticed I am having a bitter taste in my mouth.

please let me know. thanks so much

Answer
Hi Christine,

Here we go......

1. can I go to an Endodondist to have him do the root canal or do I have to go to a family dentist?

You always have the choice of whom you want to do your treatment. After all, it's your mouth, your time and your money. To keep peace with your dentist and coordinate treatment, I would suggest that you be up front with your dentist, tell him/her that you want to go to an endodontist and ask for a referral. That's the best way to avoid a conflict.

2. after root canal is done- will it require a crown be placed over the tooth?

In our office, we suggest crowns on all back teeth to help prevent them from cracking or fracturing. On front teeth, it really depends on your bite and how much fillling is in the tooth...pretty much a judgement call.

Another question
3. I recently have started with a new dentist. He checked a crown on my back molar by inserting his pointy tool into the top of my crown %26 yanking at it quite aggressively. After leaving I looked at it %26 noticed a tiny hole on top of the crown.
Could this not cause me trouble with the crown/tooth now?

Actually, a small hole can be trouble. It allows bacteria to get into a place you can't clean and that sets up a condition for decay under your crown. That could be causing your bad taste since the hole could be letting "stuff" leak out from inside your crown. I would get a filling place in that hole ASAP?

Hope this helps.

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD