Is it possible to have a root canal whilst under general anesthetic?URGENT HELP?!
Question:
Is it possible to have a root canal whilst under general anesthetic?URGENT HELP?
I am 26 yrs old with cerebral palsy i have a very sensitive mouth, 3 yrs ago i had a rather large filling in my bottom left molar that now doesn't seem to be working, my dentist said he doest think he would be able to find the nerve if he was to perform a root canal but i think he is concerned about my gagging reflex. I am about to reach breaking point, I just recently had my braces removed which ive had for four yrs i really don't know what to do. The dentist also mentioned that it would be impossible to ever get a denture to replace the tooth if it were to be removed and if i were to have it removed now it would ruin my orthodontic treatment. Is there anyway a root canal could be done under general anesthetic. the left side of my face is becoming numb pls does anyone have any ideas i live in melbourne Australia pls help
Answers:
First off, I would get yourself a second opinion. If you have gone to all the trouble of having braces done at age 26 you obviously are concerned with your teeth and 4 years in braces means it must have been a difficult case, most cases are complete in about 2+ years. Yes, root canals can be done under general anesthesia, but even better would be to go to a root canal specialist, an Endodontist. They do root canals all day long, it is the only thing they do and they do it very well. Most general dentists don't do root canals well, especially on a molar where the roots are smaller,narrower and there are usually 3-4 roots to be concerned with. The last thing you want to do is have a root canal, and then have it fail a couple of years later because your dentist didn't do a complete job (getting to the apex-very tip- of the tooth).
Most Endodontists' fees are just about the same as a general dentist.
If your dentist is an older, they may not want to get into the more complex cases, and he really does sound like he is giving you the brush off. Ask your friends, co-workers, family, neighbors who they go to. A dentist's reputation is based on word-of-mouth.