I had an abcess in my front tooth and was told by my dentist that I would need a root canal. I went to the specialist and specifically asked how long he anticipated the tooth would last because I didn't want a root canal if I was going to lose the tooth. I was told that it would probably last 5 years or a little less. After I got the root canal and went back to my regular dentist for the permanent filling, I was told to go to a periodontist because the tooth did not look good. There, I was told my front tooth was a goner. Two months is not even close to the 5 years that my tooth was supposed to last. Now, I need an implant and want to go back to the endodontist and demand my money back. I feel I was taken and he just wanted the money for the root canal. I think I am going to write a letter to the endodontist and tell him I want the money back I paid minus what my ins. co. paid. If he is not willing to do that, I am going to small claims court. I know that dentists always stick together but this is ridiculous that my tooth didn't even last two months. Can I get an opinion from someone please? And advise of what you would do in my circumstance. Thanks

Now before you start talking small claims, I would ask your general Dentist why the periodontal disease was not picked up on the original x-ray that diagnosed the RCT (root canal). The bone levels around that tooth would definitely have shown on that x ray, so perhaps you should start there. In saying that, if you are considering an implant to replace that lost tooth, you do need to consult a periodontist as that can affect the long term success of an implant.

Thanks for answering. I was really angry when I wrote my post. Yes, the x-ray did show the bone loss and that is why I was so specific with my question to the endotondist. I specifcally said I did not want a root canal if I was going to lose the tooth in the near future. That is when he said it would probably last around 5 yrs so I decided to get the root canal. My complaint is that he should have not done the root canal. He is the expert, not me, and I asked his expert opinion. He should have told me the tooth was a goner. I believe he knew that but came up with 5 yrs so I would get the root canal. Does that help explain better why I am so mad? By the way, the periodontist said he did not blame me for wanting my money back for the root canal. Now, would he testify to that? Probably not, because all dentists stick together. That is what makes me so mad.
Thanks again for answering.

But look again at your last post. You state:

Quote:

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t would probably last around 5 yrs

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PROBABLY. That does not mean that it WILL last 5 years.

I have been in your position, several times to tell the truth. I have had a couple of root canals wherein the tooth did die in a short amount of time and two that the teeth continue to be okay.

This is not an exact science, and the doctor cannot guarantee that the tooth will live on for the estimated 5 years.

I understand you are upset, however, as far as small claims court, I don't believe you will win. Unfortunately, when it comes to root canals there can be no promises made.

I can understand that you are frustrated with this situation, but I am here to tell you that not all of the dental profession are ruthless, money hungry sadists as you seem to think! :) Im sure you can appreciate that it is diffult to give you accurate advice with only the information that you've given me, but all I can assume is that he predicted approx 5 years as that is what he believed to be true at the time. In most cases, RCT's can usually be given a 90% success rate, given that they are done correctly(and have healthy bone levels). We can never give someone a 100% guarantee, although we can give our opinion on the information we have at the time. My advice for you is that if you feel you deserve a refund, talk to the Endodontist about the situation and why you feel you should be refunded, but I would suggest leaving out any talk of litigation, at least for now as I think that will get you further (also try keeping your temper in check, would you listen to someone that was shouting at you?)

Thanks Renee,
You are right. You have a lot better chance getting what you what by being nice, not threatining. So... I will talk to the endodontist. I will ask for my money back that I paid, not including what the ins pd. So he would have to pay me 40% (Ins pd 60%) Maybe he will go for that and maybe he won't but I have to at least try. If not, I will drop it because I realize that the wasted time from work, etc. is not worth the hastle of going to small claims court and I could still lose. So.. l thank you for your advice. You calmed me down a little lol.

I think it is important for me to reinterate a point to you- you have a periodontal(gum and supporting bone) problem. You really need to have this addressed, periodontal disease is the number one reason for tooth loss in people oer 30, so it is important that you see your periodontist to manage the problem. You can't regenerate bone height, but you can halt it, and if you are considering implants, it is imperative that you have stable gums and bone height for them to be successful. If you have any other questions, I would be more than happy to answer them for you, maybe I can turn your thinking around about the dental profession! :)