Questions about root canal treatment

[Ihateboris]

I've had toothache for about a week, although it's not really been that bad, just a dull occasional ache. I happened to have a check up on Wednesday and the dentist has said I need root canal. The cost is £950!!!

My questions are:

1. What will happen if I don't get the treatment?

1. What's the procedure like ? How long etc?

1. Does the cost sound about right ?

This is a private dentist as there are no NHS surgeries in my area.

Thanks in advance ☺️

1. If you don’t have it done it’ll get more and more painful.

1. I had a root canal years ago, I don’t remember it being that bad. I got a crown, so it took two appointments.

1. That sounds about right for price.

You need a root canal because there's a bacterial infection in the roots of the tooth. If you don't get the treatment, it will get worse and you'll have loss of the surrounding bone.

Treatment is done with local numbing and typically takes about an hour.

If you leave it, it'll turn into eyeing up the pliers.

You don't have to get a root canal, getting it pulled usually sorts it.

thats expensive, shop around, should find for about 600 ish....cheaper would be having the tooth pulled, after the root canal it will need filling or a crown so thats extra cost !

Thank you so much for the quick replies. I'll get booked in then, although I was shocked at the cost 😳

I had one last year but had option of NHS. I did get quotes for private but that was coming up at around £550/600 as would have potentially 2 appointments.
My understanding is if you leave it the tooth will die and you'll lose it and possibly after great pain.

Mine took around an hour didn't feel a thing though the soldering made interesting smells.

Been fine since fingers crossed that continues

I've had a few root canals, they don't hurt but sometimes they're a bit tender for a couple of days after. I actually fell asleep during one on a molar, which took about 2 hours. £1000 is about the average I think, then more if you need it crowned afterwards. Nothing to worry about except for the hit on your purse!

The tooth is quite near the front so I don't want to have it pulled, as I'll be left with a gap 😅

For private cost, that's quite good.

If you don't get it, it will just continue to decline and eventually the nerve will die. Nerve death is agony. Think the worst pain you've ever had, can't even bear to close your mouth because the opposing tooth touching it is so painful. Having had 4 kids, I can honestly say it was worse than child birth.

Then after the nerve dies, it will not really hurt until it eventually gets an abcess under it, then we're back to rocking in pain.

The treatment itself is no big deal. My family are cursed with bad teeth so I've had 4 root canals. It's like a filling from your pov but just takes longer. The worst part is having your mouth open so long. Usually they will schedule a 90 minute appointment but the actual treatment is more like 45 minutes to an hour. The second stage is about the same if you are having a crown.

I had a really awkward tooth that saw me in the chair for 5 hours. Bastard thing grew in sideways and twisted round like a corkscrew. Try getting down the roots of that. Took some creative filing and more creative swearing.

As others have said leaving it is not an option.
I had a root canal 5 years ago ..three appointments .

1 told I needed root canal and given antibiotic.
2 emergency appointment to have root removed .
3 actual root canal 45 mins in chair no discomfort .

Total cost £450 .that was pre covid .

Thank you so much. for such a helpful, informative response. Really appreciated!