Has anyone here had a root canal?

[Rachel]

I must have had at least 4 root canals and have never had a subsequent problem with them. I have mine done by an endodondist and it takes two trips to complete the process. The cost for my last one was $895.00 but my insurance paid about two thirds of that.

[mruffruff]

Root canals are usually done to eliminate an infection in the canal. If the infection is not eradicated, filling won't help.

I've had at least three root canals and I have no more problems with those teeth. I was warned, however, that there are no guarantees that I won't ever need another root canal. Essentially what they do is to clean out the infection, remove as much of the nerve as they can, and seal the hole. The filling keeps anything from getting to the canal and reinfecting (unless the tooth next to it gets infected).

The pain is less than getting the tooth pulled. And you can eat normally in about a week---with no tooth there, your other teeth MAY shift, and you might not be able to chew as well.

Caps and bridges aren't as good as your own teeth. I have a combination of all three. Caps show at the base, bridges are sometimes hard to clean.

[IRescue452]

You guys are making me feel better. I'm only 21 and I've got 3 teeth pulled and tons of fillings. Its genetic for native americans to have poor teeth and I've got native genes from both sides. My mother's family has good teeth though, so I get to hear all sorts of grief from them whenever I go to the dentist for more work. Its not like I asked for bad teeth, and its not like I don't take care of them. Anywho, good dental support group here, lol.

[CountryWolf07]

I've had one, I think it was at least a year and a 1/2 ago. No big deal. And I'm 22.

[K9karen]

I had one root canal. The only problem for me was keeping my mouth open so long because of TMJ. My jaws locked off and on and I started crying. Had no pain from the actual root canal itself that I can remember.

Whether to have root canal, filling or pulled tooth, is a hard call. I guess you have to trust your dentist. I inherited peridontal disease from my dad. He lost all his teeth early due to weak, infected gums. He suffered with his dentures from that point on. (couldn't afford implants). So I had gum surgery a few years back and NO problems since. My point is that after witnessing my dad (and I guess everyone is different) I'd do whatever it takes to keep my own teeth if I possibly can.