Urgent Dentist Advice (Denver, Highlands Ranch: home, cost, gym)

[Antlered Chamataka]

Long story short, a fragment of one of my teeth fell off in the gym last Friday. It does not pain, it just feels normal, except that it feels kind of awkward in that spot (middle of my right cheek)

I visited a dentist in Highlands Ranch referred by a coworker. He first said it needs a crown and is today hinting at a root canal treatment which "might" be needed along with the crown (He says "might" because he is not sure). Cost apart, I'm not sure if I really need a root canal, coz from what people say it sounds scary

Anyone recommends a good dentist in and around Denver, billed as the best dentist or something, I would like to have it reviewed before jumping into anything. I would need this fast coz I have the dentist appointment tomorrow. Your inputs are much appreciated.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Which tooth is it. I almost had to have a root canal on a premolar and the dentist said those are easy and only take a few minutes but the molars go out to a specialist. I think the days of fearing root canals go back decades when the techniques and tools weren't nearly as advanced as they are today. In your case whether or not you need one probably depends on what shape the tooth is in. The last thing you want is to spend all that money on a crown and then have bacteria get into the root. Then you get to do it all over again.

[Antlered Chamataka]

Just checked. Second premolar. If this op knocks me off my strict work out routine, I'll be one depressed and pissed off SOB

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Antlered Chamataka

Just checked. Second premolar. If this op knocks me off my strict work out routine, I'll be one depressed and pissed off SOB

That was the one I almost needed a root canal on. The good news is I believe there's only one root canal in that tooth (as opposed to 4 on a molar) so it's a lot easier. Lucky for me the cavity wasn't as deep as feared so I wound up with just a filling.

[Antlered Chamataka]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

That was the one I almost needed a root canal on. The good news is I believe there's only one root canal in that tooth (as opposed to 4 on a molar) so it's a lot easier. Lucky for me the cavity wasn't as deep as feared so I wound up with just a filling.

You didn't even do a crown? But I have to say the fragment which fell off was pretty sizable. It did open some gap in that area.

Thanks for the info. I'm feeling better somewhat.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Antlered Chamataka

You didn't even do a crown? But I have to say the fragment which fell off was pretty sizable. It did open some gap in that area.

Thanks for the info. I'm feeling better somewhat.

In my case, it was just a cavity but it looked pretty deep on the xray. He said he wouldn't know exactly how deep until it cleaned it out. Too deep = root canal. Luckily it was just short of getting into the pulp so all it needed was a filling. I think crowns are more for when the overall structure of the tooth in too compromised for just a filling to handle. If you've got cracks/fissures/whatever in what's left of your tooth, that's probably what's making your dentist think a root canal might be needed.

[mczabe]

No recommendations, but I can tell you I had a root canal on (from your chart, I'm going with...) my lower right first molar. I was scared to DEATH! Honestly, there was no pain above and beyond the normal novicaine/filling experience. I could not believe it.

I did go to a specialist for that, but recently I went to my dentist (in HR - Dr. Eto at Dry Creek Family Dentistry) for a DEEP filling...and that was fine. He was great. His philosophy is pretty much that there isn't a novicaine shortage so there's NO reason for anyone to have any pain during dental procedures. If you feel anything, stop the procedure and demand more meds.

Good luck!!!

[Ghengis]

Your mouth looks a bit weird. What are you some kinda 'toon or something? A lot of people 'round here don't care much for 'toons. They never really bothered me tho. If you're going into the dentist anyways, you might as well get a root canal. Better to be safe than sorry and you might need one later on anyways.

[Antlered Chamataka]

Three years ago I played this song on high volume inside my car and even sang with it. I'm learning it the hard way right now LMAO


YouTube - Green day- Give Me Novacaine

[Antlered Chamataka]

Originally Posted by mczabe

No recommendations, but I can tell you I had a root canal on (from your chart, I'm going with...) my lower right first molar. I was scared to DEATH! Honestly, there was no pain above and beyond the normal novicaine/filling experience. I could not believe it.

I did go to a specialist for that, but recently I went to my dentist (in HR - Dr. Eto at Dry Creek Family Dentistry) for a DEEP filling...and that was fine. He was great. His philosophy is pretty much that there isn't a novicaine shortage so there's NO reason for anyone to have any pain during dental procedures. If you feel anything, stop the procedure and demand more meds.

Good luck!!!

How long did it knock you off your normal life, post-operation. Does it require taking some time off work and other activities and staying at home with meds?