Very depressed!!

Message

#1 Post by **dirtybyrd** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:19 am

Hi first time poster here. I am a 30 year old male who just found out that I had to get a root canal done before my orthodontic process starts. I had it done yesterday on #18 in the very back. I am worried about this because the orthodontist told my dentist to just do the filling in 2 weeks and no crown. I understand why they are doing that. A crown would just be in the way for the the banding when they use the tooth for an anchor. But I have 2 worries. One is will my tooth be all right for 2 years of ortho with just a filling in it and number two am I going to be able to eat like normal on that tooth for 2 years without it shattering or breaking? I have only had 2 fillings my entire life so this was a major thing for me. If something was to happen, God forbid, and that tooth was to be extracted later down the road what could I possibly do? Am I just over reacting? My wife says that I am and I honestly hope that I am also. Any insight will be greatly appreciated.......

P.S. Just in case anyone was wondering I go for my conference with my orthodontist next Monday to find out my treatment plan.

Wed Mar 12, 2008 7:07 am

Hey there!
Well first of all, let's just say that teeth suck don't they? They are expensive and troublesome in my opinion! I haven't ever had a root canal, so I can't know exactly where you are coming from, but I do understand the worries that come before getting your whole orthodontic process going. I will try to address your issues as best I can: 1) I know a couple people who have had root cananls and NO crowns, and they are just fine. I guess it really depends on a lot of stuff, and I'm sure your dentist/ortho wouldn't leave you crownless if they really thought you needed one. 2) As for eating "normally"...well, you won't be able to eat normally with your braces on anyway, regardless of whether you have a delicate tooth or not. Hard foods can effect your braces in ways that may complicate things or extend your treatment, so my advice is just stick to mostly soft foods for the duration of your braces and you'll be fine. I know that seems like a life sentence of boring food, but it's really not that bad!! Remember, IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT WHEN ITS DONE! I hope this helps, and be sure to talk to your dentist/ortho about your concerns because they will be able to give you the most educated advice.

#3 Post by **Spanner** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:59 am

I have two teeth that have had root canal treatment and they aren't crowned. This treatment was done many years ago and I've never had any problems and my ortho doesn't forsee any problems either.

I disagree somewhat that for the next two years you will have to eat boring soft foods because this just isn't so. The only things I can't eat are very hard fruits like apples and hard crunchy snacks like crisps, Ryvita and toast crusts. Everything else is fine.

#4 Post by **Hempstead** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 11:56 am

I understand your fears. Last week, I learned I had to have a root canal immediately after the molar bands from my expanders were cemented on.

I got the root canal the next day (last wednesday). My doc explained to me that the molar band will protect the tooth like a crown would. I will get a permanent filling next week and a crown after the ortho treatment is finished.

Hope this helps.

#5 Post by **dirtybyrd** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:04 am

Thanks guys for reassuring me. I guess worst case scenario I can always replace it with an implant if I absolutely have to. This is a great message board by the way. Lots of info and friendly people. I can't wait to get my ortho started. Its just the process leading up to it sucks.