A dental question...

[shepgirl]

I've had abcesses before and was put on antibiotics to clear them up, no root canal necessary in my case at least so I really don't understand the need if they don't see anything on the x-ray.

[moosmom]

I had an absess around one of my front teeth years ago. The greedy dentist I went to (he was sailing buddies with the guy I was dating) told me either lose the tooth or have a root canal done. I had a second opinion done (by his former colleague) who injected antibiottic directly into the absess. It cleared up and I still have my front tooth, intact. She told me that I have bone loss in that tooth. Haven't had a problem since.

Carole,

I don't see any reason why she should have a root canal at her age. I'd definitely get a second opinion.

[jazzcat]

They aren't going to give her antibiotics first to see if that takes care of it? That would be my first choice.

[carole]

Yes Lori she is on antibiotics, hubby and i talked last night and we think a second opinion would be the best thing to do, i cannot quite understand it all either, we saw a programme here, a nz one once on Dentists, and it was mind boggling, went to one and they would say you needed this expensive treatment, another would say not necessary, i have to add that melissa's treatment is covered by our free health care here until she is 18, but the Dentist still gets paid the same amount, just not out of our pocket, we would have to pay to see another dentist, but i am fine with that.

Yes i am a bit puzzled as to why a root canal, interesting what you said too Donna, sure has got me thinking all right, thanks everyone.

[jazzcat]

A second opinion is a good idea. Funny, I never think about second opinions with dentists but I've never had any major work done.

[carole]

Me neither i just take it for granted they know what they are doing, but after seeing that NZ tv programme i am lot more wary now,and i think it it because Melissa is so young, if it were me i probably would just have it done and not think twice about it.

[carole]

Ok just to fill you in on what we decided, we thought a second opinion is a definite,so i rang the Dentist today, and the receptionist was great, i said i wanted her re-assessed and for the root canal not to go ahead, she offered for us to see another dentist in the practice, so for now we are going with this option, by then the antibiotics will be finished as well,she has seen cushla before, so i am hoping she has something different to say, and that they don't stick in with one another,as not to offend each other, if you know what i mean, i seriously doubt that Mei wang her other dentist will even know the appointment have been switched as they will probably fill that time up, so anyhow friday at 1.25pm we shall see what is going on. Thanks for listening.