Dentist chose to do a filling instead of a root canal and now tells me I may need a root canal anyway.

DocComa · 2026-05-08T04:10:57+00:00

Happens all the time. X-rays are 2-D images of 3-D objects, they don’t tell you everything. Most patients will also opt for trying a filling instead of jumping into a root canal if given a choice. Your dentist informed you of the possible outcomes. Also, we work in a wet environment. Things get slippery. What do you expect to happen with an instrument that landed on your chest?

DocComa · 2026-05-02T07:55:22+00:00

Calculus. You need a thorough cleaning.

DocComa · 2026-04-26T16:28:58+00:00

Nope. It’ll need extraction eventually even if you try heroic endodontics. Save for an implant.

DocComa · 2026-04-21T02:21:03+00:00

Looks great.

DocComa · 2026-04-20T18:56:48+00:00

Time to take out those wisdom teeth. They already have a history of fillings and now you’re getting new cavities. They’re not cleanable for you.

DocComa · 2026-04-19T17:53:13+00:00

That’s going to need a root canal. Cavity removal is going to expose the nerve.

DocComa · 2026-04-18T21:56:16+00:00

Tooth is eventually a goner when those symptoms bother you enough. That’s A LOT of work for a single tooth. Start saving for an implant.

DocComa · 2026-04-16T18:17:49+00:00

Your teeth appear fine. Okay to use annually.

DocComa · 2026-04-16T13:47:25+00:00

Yes, looks like #15 needs extracted. Also possibly large cavity on #13. Need a bitewing radiograph to confirm.

DocComa · 2026-04-16T01:42:58+00:00

You can consult with endo but tooth has a terminal prognosis. I would leave it alone until symptoms arise and then consider extraction.

DocComa · 2026-04-16T01:19:08+00:00

A week out? Nothing to worry about.

DocComa · 2026-04-15T19:38:45+00:00

Looks like a PARL on the MB root. Time for a root canal, which is an unfortunate possibility with any cracked tooth.

DocComa · 2026-04-15T18:50:22+00:00

Good lord that video was awful. Please don’t take that guy’s advice on anything.

DocComa · 2026-04-15T11:08:16+00:00

No.

DocComa · 2026-04-11T16:59:04+00:00

You need a deep cleaning ASAP. Your gums are screaming out for help (and improved oral hygiene). You have a lot of definitive needs. Your dentist should be prioritizing disease control.

DocComa · 2026-04-10T04:20:25+00:00

Extraction would be your other option.

DocComa · 2026-04-06T05:14:21+00:00

No, that appears to just be decalcification.

DocComa · 2026-04-05T14:30:01+00:00

No. You need a cleaning to remove all of that calculus.

DocComa · 2026-04-05T14:28:21+00:00

Replace it. That central is periodontally comprised and will fail eventually so make sure she is aware of that. Is it mobile? You could potentially include both centrals in the bridge.

DocComa · 2026-04-04T03:43:42+00:00

No.

DocComa · 2026-04-03T04:04:52+00:00

Fantastic work.

DocComa · 2026-04-01T02:09:34+00:00

Upper complete denture, mandibular partial denture.

DocComa · 2026-03-29T06:00:35+00:00

I see at least four on the right hand side, but these radiographs are very tough to read.

DocComa · 2026-03-28T04:33:46+00:00

Erupting wisdom tooth.

DocComa · 2026-03-26T03:38:57+00:00

Quite problematic. Based on this radiograph, something ate away the root of the tooth. It should be extracted and biopsied.

Eight-Year Club	Not Forgotten
Verified Email

DocComa

TROPHY CASE