Any dentists/endodontists out there? Failed root canal but need to fix before cancer surgery.

[notsofantastic]

Could anyone advise? I had root canal work last week (top molar) but the dentist (who I now realise was not an endodontist) could only access two of the the three channels (sorry if I have the terminology wrong) that he could see on the X-rays. He couldn't seem to find how to get into the last channel and tells me it could be sealed shut. I also have exceptionally long roots that are apparently difficult to work with.

So... I have two channels cleared out and a temporary filling but I am not sure how to proceed as I have to fix this before a mastectomy in two weeks (all rather upsetting).

The dentist has told me he can finish just filling the two channels and leave the third and fingers crossed it is ok... or can refer me to an endodonist... but this will cost perhaps a minimum of £1000 (on top of the £500 already spent) plus the cost of a new crown....

More importantly I am trying to work out what is the least invasive option and quickest recovery... or even if I should give up and have it extracted now and hope it all heals quickly. I really want to lower the risk of any infection too as I have a bunch of other health issues too and could just do without this stress when I am only just getting my head around the cancer diagnosis.

If you can’t afford the further costs, consider extraction now if chemo and/or bisphosphonates are a possibility. You don’t want any extractions whilst on bisphosphonates. You don’t really want any dental issues whilst on chemo either. I had toothache when on chemo and it wasn’t fun. You’d want the socket to have healed before starting chemo.

Good luck with your treatment. It can be difficult but you will be out the other side and giving advice to others before long I promise!

Thanks so much for your advice... and positive words! Slightly overwhelmed with everything as trying to cram multiple appointments for various things over the next two weeks and just hadn't thought that the whole root canal business would be so complicated.

IME root canal never works and I always end up getting tooth out. I would get it extracted. Good luck with your treatment!

This is what I fear...

you should have free dental care if you are a cancer patient. Also, just get that tooth quickly extracted

Thank you. I didn't realise you had free dental care as a cancer patient (but only got diagnosed last week and still in shock I think).

You can live without a top molar. I had failed root canal and then an extraction. I don't miss it.

Also the extraction was far far easier to put up with than the root canal.

Have you been given a contact number for queries? Normally a nurse line? Get on to them and ask about your NHS charges exemption card, and say you need it immediatly to get dental work done before the op.

Sending you love xx

if you dont have a contact number, ring mcmillian and ask for advice

Hey @notsofantastic I would also have it extracted. I had a root canal which had to be redone twice 😖 before I realised I should have had it extracted in the first place (also top molar)! Have it removed and forget about it and focus on your healing 🌸

Sorry but you don't get free dental care as a cancer patient.
There is a petition at the moment calling for free care but you have to pay the same as any one else. https://www.change.org/p/free-dental-treatment-for-cancer-patients-change-the-law

If you have difficulties in paying for dental care you can get some help with NHS dental costs if you are in an exempt group https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/benefits-and-financial-support/help-with-health-costs

Sorry this is wrong. See links above , only people on low incomes who meet NHS criteria qualify for free NHS dental treatment . https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/benefits-and-financial-support/help-with-health-costs

I've just been told I need to get a root canal redone by a specialist. I was told about a grand to get it done too.

I was considering flying to Turkey to see if I could get it any cheaper there. I've only just started looking into it, but seems like it would definitely cost less, even with flights and an overnight stay. Would this be something you would consider?

That i not true, I have free dental care for 10 years, because of a cancer diagnosis - not means tested at all.

Not all care is free, hygeine appointments etc are still private, but check ups and treatment for my teeth is all free - and cancer patients are likely to need a lot more dental care than the general population

Unless you are treated by the dental department of a hospital , in England Wales , Scotland or NI the only exemptions from dental costs are means tested ie https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

This is why a petition has been set up and is about to be debated in Parliament because cancer does not exempt you from dental charges, although you can get an exemption from prescription charges https://www.change.org/p/free-dental-treatment-for-cancer-patients-change-the-law

as I said, not true. I have free dental treatment for 10 years. Do you think I am imagining it or something?

I go to the dentist, I get treatment, it is free.

I go to the dentist. I get treatment. I pay for it. I also am a cancer patient and my dentist (who I've been with for years) would have told me. One of life's mysteries

@Deludamol please do consider carefully before going to Turkey. I know someone whose cousin ended up very poorly after doing this.

have you asked in your cancer treatment centre? You are presumably getting free prescriptions? That exemption covers dental care too

I do not know the circumstances of your exemption from payment but if you read the government links and the links from campaigners you will read , and I quote ,

"If somebody is diagnosed with cancer, they are exempt from prescription charges for a set period (which can be renewed if side effects continue). However, for dental care, there is no financial help unless on certain benefits - and not everybody qualifies. Worse still IF you’re lucky enough to be told to visit a dentist before treatment and you get an appointment you may be faced with a dental bill you can’t pay and without having the work done, potential life saving treatments could be delayed"

This is precisely why campaigners are asking for free dental treatment for cancer patients and it is about to be debated in Parliament.

Cancer patients are not the only ones effected , people who need hip replacements also need to be dentally fit before treatment and many cannot access NHS treatment and cannot afford private treatment.

No it doesn't . It only covers NHS prescriptions.
Please be aware there are large fines for claiming exemption from dental fees when you are not entitled.

I am entitled!

I get free prescriptions because of my age anyway. It is all a bit confusing!

Here is the form for applying for medical exemption , you will note it only applies to charges for prescriptions and people with cancer can claim. It does not cover dental treatment. https://www.selsdonparkmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/media/content/files/Prescritpion%20Charge%20Form.pdf