I worked for a dentist for 10 years, not as an assistant but as a receptionist. I can tell you I have never heard of having to wait for a procedure such as a root canal. I would certainly think about finding another dentist. As Karen suggested, there are dentists that do nothing but root canals and, therefore, are much more efficient at what they do. These dentists are called endodontists. Most dentists will refer out to endodontists if the tooth is a molar anyway. My suggestion to you would be to keep your teeth at all costs! Once the root canal is finished the tooth will eventually need to be crowned. Root canal teeth become brittle after time, since the nerve and blood supply are gone. Consequently they can break off. I hope that you at least have some dental insurance, because the fee for your tooth is going to be significant but maybe you can find someone who will set up a payment plan for you. Good luck and let us know how you do!