Referred for a root canal, but unsure if its needed?
Pardon the lengthy explanation. Two cleanings ago (1 year) I had a new set of xrays taken and was told during the examination that everything looked good. In my last cleaning (6mo ago), I developed a bit of sensitivity in the upper right. The dentist that reviewed it, who was a different doctor than the previous one, said the xrays looked fine but that my gumline was slightly receding which could be weakening the barrier to the nerve thus causing sensitivity. Gave me some special toothpaste and habits to improve gum health and sent me on my way. On my most recent visit about a week ago, at the examination, the dentist (who was again a different one from before) looked at the xray and said everything looked clear until I brought up the sensitivity. He quickly double taked at the xrays, adjusted the contrast on the imaging and noted a root canal was needed on #2, wrote up an endodontist referral for that, and also highlighted 4 other locations that he wanted to use curodont on.
The sensitive area I am talking about typically only reacts to cold, pressure/chewing or warm temperatures wont trigger it. When something cold does touch it, I will feel a quick shock but it will not linger. Afterwards, if more cold continues to touch it, I won't feel any discomfort, it 'gets used to it' in a sense.
I later called the endodontist to set up an appointment, and when describing my condition they were shocked to hear that a year old xray containing a tooth that needed a root canal had come this far without being noticed, and that if it were the case, the lack of pain I am in. The dentist that referred me also wasn't in their database, which could be contributed to them just being new, but we both found it odd. I still made the appointment but ever since I have been second guessing. I am not trying to discredit my dental institution, but they go through doctors like copy paper, rarely every do I see the same one twice, and it took 3 different exams to find a root canal worthy cavity on a year old xray. The sensitivity is there but only on cold contact, definitely not something I'd need to take a pain med for.
After estimates from the dentist and endodontist for the canal and the following crown, it comes to about 2k out of pocket after my insurance. It's a hit I can take, but I'd obviously rather not if it can be avoided while maintaining good health. I've been considering switching dentists and getting a quick exam just to get a second opinion and see if its truly necessary. I would hopefully assume that if I go to my endodontist appointment, they would look for themselves to see if the procedure is truly necessary before going ahead with it?
I unfortunately don't have any pictures of the xrays to share. And pardon any naivety, the wider world of medical care is hard for me to step into. I would still like to take the route that gives me the best dental health. I don't drink/smoke, but I do enjoy a good amount of sugar free carbonated beverages that I am aware make dental problems more likely.