Posted by writeradmin
My daughter had a permanent retainer removed a few weeks ago. She was given a removable retainer to use in its place. The problem we are facing is that in the removal process he damaged one of her teeth. It is now turning gray. I took her back in and he did a hot and cold test as well as an x-ray. The tooth is sensitive to cold and hot. He told me that he thinks she may need a root canal treatment and he referred us to an endodontist for a root canal treatment. I was disappointed that the endodontist he referred us to did not use Gentle Wave technology. She will be leaving for a summer camp soon and I’m hoping we can avoid the root canal treatment. Do you have a recommendation for us?
Mary
Dear Mary,
I am going to tell you that you are not with the best dentist. I have serious concerns about your dentist’s skills. First, damaging a tooth while removing a retainer has me concerned. This is a fairly easy standard procedure. Then his diagnostic skills leave me wondering. A tooth turning darker, along with sensitivity to hot and cold are clear signs that a tooth needs a root canal treatment. Not possible signs.
Unfortunately, that means that your daughter will need the root canal. Because her dentist damaged the tooth, he is liable for the damage. That means that he should pay for the repair. Just because he is paying for it, does not mean that you have to go to the endodontist he chooses.
The Gentle Wave technology has shown great promise, so if that is what you want for your daughter then I would just find the endodontist you are comfortable with and tell your dentist that is who you will be using for the repair. After this is all taken care of, then I recommend you start looking for another dentist.
I would get this done sooner rather than later. You don’t want it to turn into a dental emergency while she is at camp.
This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Dentist Dr. John Theriot.