Toothaches?

[RockyRoad]

I know this pain *all* too well!

Sounds like you need to give your dentist a call. I'm shocked (s)he did not tell you a crown was needed. Let them know you're in pain; perhaps they can put in a temporary and prescribe an antibiotic. Because there is pain there could be an infection at the end of the root. If the cost worries you, ask them the cost, although if you come in and just get x-rays done and everything it should be around the area of $50. I don't know your dentist though, so it may be different.
A crown is normally recommended on root canal teeth to prevent them from fractures, to which they are easily susceptible, but pain means there's something else there.. *maybe* an infection that should be treated with antibiotics. And, of course, the filling will need to be redone. Some doctors will redo a composite for less $$.. I know all of the doctors I work with do so. I hope you can work something out, feel better!

[RedHedd]

Go back to the original dentist - he didn't finish the job. A crown is part of a root canal to seal everything up. If he won't do it, find a dental school that could help, although right now many are on Christmas break. And when you're taken care of consider suing the first doc for dental malpractice!

[Vela]

A crown is not part of a root canal, it is a separate procedure and separate charge. The tooth is sealed with the post and filling, unless you break it or it falls out etc. You can opt NOT to have a crown and take your risks with either a temp or the post and filling. They are two separate things with two separate charges. Yes, it should have been done at the time of the root canal, as most people get one after a root canal, but it's not part of doing a root canal. I find it very odd that he didn't recommend you get a crown, but that's something you will have to ask him about. He may give you a discounted price on the crown now, since you didn't have it done back when you had dental insurance. It is worth at least asking him about to see if he will cut you a deal. My husband had a root canal, then 6 months later, when the insurance renewed at the end of the year, he had the crown done. You do have to be really careful with uncrowned root canals. Sorry you are in pain, tooth pain is some of the worst, and you need to have it taken care of because you can get a really nasty infection in there.

As far as suing him for malpractice, unless he told you specifically not to get a crown, as you wouldn't need it, then there really isn't much you can do as far as a lawsuit being successful against him. Although I would find a new dentist, as he should have discussed getting one and why you should get one. Doesn't sound like a great dentist IMO.