Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 7/27/2006

Question
I had a large filling come out of my molar and my dentist says I need a root canal. He doesn't understand why I don't have any pain because it was deep. If I don't have pain, why can't he just put in a filling, why a root canal?

Answer
anna
maybe he is seeing something on an xray that tells him it definitely needs a root canal. we can do that. sometimes the hole is into the nerve. sometimes we see things at the bottom of the root that indicates a need for a root canal. i am sitting here online and cannot give you any definite answers. you can ask to have him show you the xray and explain what he sees. you now know two things to look for. another option is to get a second opinion...either from another general dentist or from a root canal specialist called an endodontist. a second opinion is always a good thing to consider if you have serious questions. let me know if you have any other questions. good luck,

jeff dalin, dds