will a broken back tooth need a root canal? :( I'm phobic

[MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday]

Had Trigemnial Neuralgia 5 years ago and had several teeth unecessarily removed before they realised it was nothing to do with my teeth.. and as a result went from 'very nervous patient' to 'not a chance of coming near me with a drill'

I had some dental work done under sedation a couple of years ago, but had to be referred to a different dentist and it was a lengthy faff (tho worth it).

After no problems for ages, today a back molar cracked/fell apart (damn pork crackling!). It doesn't hurt... yet... tho there is a big chunk missing/hole (can't see) and it is definitely going to need major work.

I'm just wondering if it is a given that it will need major work. Also, if I have to wait, I'll go privately to a sedation dentist.. anyone have ANY idea ofcosts (just for the sedation, let alone treatement!)

I'm terrified:(

I have no idea but just wanted to sympathise. I lost several teeth and became very nervous due to a TMJ problem.

I have since changed dentist. My new dentist is lovely, very reassuring and explains everything really well so I don't panic as much and I am gradually regaining some confidence. She has crowned some of my back teeth that were falling apart.

I hope it goes well for you.

well I broke a tooth last spring and did nothing about it until November when I developed toothache - keep you up all night toothache. Got an emergency appointment at an NHS dentist recommended by a friend. It was drilled and filled - escaped root canal although I gather it could flare because the drilling was quite deep but so far so good. Have been to the hygienist three times since and have had xrays and a checkup. No other fillings needed. They are lovely and for the first time in years I don't feel scared any more. I hadnt been for ten years. Just go for it; it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be and I had neglected my dental care/health for a decade.

Offers hand to hold.

Please don't be scared.

Hopefully it will not need RC because it doesn't sound like it's infected. I had a RC after an infection. The infection was agony but the root canal was painless. I was scared of the dentist too but having that work done has basically cured my phobia.

I am not a dentist but it sounds like you might just need a crown, or you might get away with just a filling depending how damaged the tooth is.

Is it right at the back? I had my very back tooth extracted when this happened to me. I used an NHS dentist who prescribed tamazepam and was in a sufficient daze I didn't remember the procedure afterwards. A work colleague lost a back tooth at the same time and spent a four figure sum repairing it but now it has flared back up and she is having to get it extracted.

It won't definitely mean a root canal. My dh broke his back tooth on a sandwich and he had it repaired with a filling which has so far lasted 10 years.

I would get it checked out by a dentists sooner rather than later though as the sooner things are fixed less chance for it to get worse.