Root canal vs crown
Added: January 14, 2009 - 11:10 AM
By: Patient Email Withheld, West Los Angeles, CA
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
Yes
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Root Canal
Broken Tooth
Crown
Teeth: 31
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: 01/14/09
Last Cleaning: 008/08
Case Description
I broke my bottom right second from the back molar. I broke about a quarter of it off. I saw the x-rays and I was told it was due to old filling expanding and causing pressure. I am in no pain. my dentist was running late so I saw another dentist in the office. I was told he specializes in onlays and he told me I needed an onlay. He would mold the part of my molar that was missing and attach it. My total cost was 500 after insurance. But then the dentist arrived looked at my x-rays and at my molar. He told me I needed a root canal and a tooth build up and a crown maxing out my benefits, that wasn't all he recently brought a periodonist on staff, she looked in my molar and said I needed, actually I'm still not sure. Something about my gums rejecting foreign material, didn't make any sense to me but her cost was 1390.00. I said no way and went to get a second opinion. I found another dentist at random. I did not tell them of the other dentist's finding. She took x-ray and examined my molar. She said I needed a crown. I asked about the onlay, she said she would not recomend it over a crown. A crown was a more permenant solution. I asked her about a root cancal, she said no, your roots are perfectly fine, no sign of decay or damage since I was not in pain, but should fix it right away. I did tell her I had periodontal disease and did I need something special for that. She seemed to know what I was refering , took another look at my gums and pockets and said no, some deep pockets but no other work required. Her cost was 950.00 for a crown. My concern is a dentist trying to validate bringing on new staff and adding more procedures. I want to make the right decision health wise, not money wise. Any info would be appreciated.
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Reply: Root canal vs crown
added: January 14, 2009 - 11:30 AM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
i would be happy to see you for a complimentary consultation ( but bring your xray, or there would be a small charge). i couldn''''t give you an opinion without seeing you. when you schedule at 310-691-8542, ask for a consultation and tell them I said no charge.
Reply: Root canal vs crown
added: January 14, 2009 - 11:39 AM
Cost Estimate: $700 for crown
it sounds like the first dentist was trying to take you for a ride. I see it over and over again, especially when they are bringing in new staff. It is probable that you just need a crown. If that is the case, it would be around $700 in our office and that would be it! We will take a complimentary xray just to make sure there are is no other treatment necessary. Hope this helps. : )
Reply: Root canal vs crown
added: January 14, 2009 - 1:33 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Iwill be happy to see you in my office.There will be no charge for the cosultation,if you have your X-ray.It is always good to get another opinion.It is hard to diagnose without the visual exam& x-ray.Look forward to see you.
Reply: Root canal vs crown
added: January 14, 2009 - 1:43 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
It''''s a good that you are taking the time to find out the best course of treatment for this tooth. It''''s difficult to tell you much about what it needs without looking at it and looking at an x-ray. An onlay or a partial crown could be a good option for the tooth if there is still a lot of good solid tooth structure. If properly done they last as long as a full crown and preserve a lot of good tooth structure. I''''d love to help you out.-Tom Stelmach, DDS
Reply: Root canal vs crown
added: January 14, 2009 - 8:31 PM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Sounds like there are a lot of dentists trying to help you. Either a crown or an onlay would probably good options, but it sounds like a crown would be a good idea since you already broke part of your tooth and it also sounds like it might be broken under the gum tissue. Good luck.
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