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.

I have exemption from dental charges, due to cancer diagnosis. As does everyone in my support group.

again, do you think I am imagining it?

I go to the dentist, I show them my exemption card, they treat me for free.

Unfortunately this did not work with the optician. I went to the optician, I showed them my card, they said no, this is only for prescriptions and dentists.

OP , the general success rate for a root canal on a back tooth in a general dentist is around 80% , in a specialists hands it's around 90% in an uncomplicated tooth.
However that success rate will drop with complications in a tooth ie narrow or blocked canal , curved canal etc.
Before you commit to treatment you can ask the specialist for the chances of a successful outcome and make your decision based on that. Bear in mind the only treatment that is 100% guaranteed to get rid of the problem is extraction .

In England , Scotland and NIthe medical exemption card is only for prescriptions and dental treatment is only free for certain groups NOT including cancer patients. Here's the official NHS website confirming this https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-if-you-have-nhs-exemption/medical-exemption-certificates

This is a useful link if you want to check if you are entitled to free dental treatment https://check-for-help-paying-nhs-costs.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/start

it doesn't matter how many links you send me that I am not clicking on, I have an exemption card which entitles me to free dental treatment, because I have cancer.

I am not imagining it. I have it in my hand and am looking at it right now. I have used it regularly, I have to use it regularly, I can't have chemo without the go-ahead from the dentist, i take my card to the dentist, gives me check ups and treatment for free, than gives me a letter to take to the chemo suite, that is what happens.

I don't care if you think I should pay. I dont have to.

I am hiding this thread now. OP I am sorry for what you are going through, please feel free to PM me if you want to

I'd also ask if your breast surgeons can expedite a referral for extraction via maxillofacial in hospital. Doubt you would need to go private? I would hope not, anyway.

Which country do you live in? Are you able to find a copy of this card that you have online and link to it please?

I watched the debate in Westminster Hall the other week on TV. Not once did anyone say some cancer patients get free treatment, so I am curious how you get it for free. It would save me literally thousands.

It's nothing too major that needs doing, but I can't afford UK prices so I'll have to take the risk.

Thanks for all suggestions. I managed to get it fixed yesterday... cost a fortune but feels like it was the best decision as was advised not to extract before a big operation.