Based on my research regarding Root Canals my findings are below. I did this research because I am not convinced that if I go to a professional in the case an Endodontist that he or she is unable to accurately assess the condition. My thinking is if the outcome of the procedure is a "saved" tooth and the world of Denistry has determined that this procedure warrants a special consideration... The study and practice of the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, for prevention and treatment of diseases and injures of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.
How Successful Are Root Canals? According to some studies Root Canals have 95% success rate,
Incisors (front teeth), canines (pointed teeth next to incisors), and 2nd bicuspids (small teeth right in front of the large molars) typically have a single root.
Me - 95% success rate... To the lay person that sounds like a hundred, otherwise its only 95%.
Cost of a Root Canal - The cost varies depending on how severe the problem is and the tooth affected. Many dental insurance policies cover endodontic treatment. A ballpark estimate for the root canal treatment itself (not including a dental restoration following the procedure) performed by a general dentist could range from $350 to $540 for an incisor and $520 to $800 for a molar.
Me - if the cost could range to $540 why was I charged $2,500.00 (price does not include the restoration)
When a patient experiences a failed or complicated root canal, she is subjected to additional pain, inconvenience, and cost. According to WebMD, a root canal can cost $350 to $1,200. Patients without dental insurance pay all of that cost out-of-pocket, and additional visits add additional cost. A failed root canal requires the patient to seek follow-up treatment.
Me - When I made my rd visit for this tooth (2 to the Specialist and 1 to my dentist for the cap) to my horror!!! She informed me that Dr. Cohen and "thinned" out the tooth too much and the tooth could not sustain the cap. She gave a temporary filling to fill the gaping hole in my tooth that in less than 2 weeks began to chip away.
A Procedure Designed To Repair...
If removal of the tooth is required, the patient incurs the costs of extraction, anesthesia if needed, and cosmetic replacement of the tooth. These costs add up on top of the initial cost of the root canal that has failed.
So in conclusion Dr. Cohen would like me to pay $2,500 for the repair of a tooth that ahhhh eroded away like a canal when the structures that sustain the canal give way...
I don't smile like I used to smile... I don't laugh out-loud like I used to... I have to do a grin and try to elude real heartfelt laughter... Let's not forget about meeting with clients, friends and family for dinner and if I make the grave mistake of forgetting I must eat with my mouth closed until all the food is gone and (make sure I rinse, swish and repeat) if I want to engage in conversation. It's always that little piece of food that you can't feel in that gaping hole that just want to jump out and land back on the plate or on someone arm or their shirt...
So I made about 15 attempts to get Dr Cohen on the phone but alas no avail, so I spoke with his colleague and he agreed to at least take off the $250... When i relayed this information to Dr. Cohen's receptionist I received a law suit...
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