Dentist told me to just ignore abscess?

[AbscessAnxiety]

Hello, I've been a dental phobic for the last 8 years or so, I picked up an abscess in May, and just ignored it for as long as I could without worrying myself to death. Around August I caved and went to the dentist, I was given an X-ray, and they confirmed I needed a root canal. I booked one and attended it, upon arrival the dentist said that I've already had one on the effected tooth, and to get one re-done would require a private specialist, which would cost in the region of £900. She basically just said if it isn't causing me acute pain just ignore it, there's no urgency and it won't spread (I did ask as this is my biggest fear). Is this normal advice? I'm terrified of it developing in to sepsis or a brain abscess or something but she seemed so nonchalant and happy to send me on my way with it.

Have you guys ever experienced anything similar to this?

Thanks.

 

[grumpybear]

Your dentist told you to ignore it? That sounds bizarre.

My colleague went to an endodontist regarding her molar that needs a root canal as well. The xray shows that there is infection at the tip of the root. But because she wasn't very keen on treatment, the endodontist told her to go back and consider and that she does have a bit of time to decide; it's not an immediate emergency. But he definitely did not suggest she that can choose to ignore it.

Perhaps get a second opinion? Your dentist can make treatment recommendations to you, but if the recommendation(s) does not make any sense to you, or you disagree, definitely consider getting a second opinion.

 

[AbscessAnxiety]

Your dentist told you to ignore it? That sounds bizarre.

My colleague went to an endodontist regarding her molar that needs a root canal as well. The xray shows that there is infection at the tip of the root. But because she wasn't very keen on treatment, the endodontist told her to go back and consider and that she does have a bit of time to decide; it's not an immediate emergency. But he definitely did not suggest she that can choose to ignore it.

Perhaps get a second opinion? Your dentist can make treatment recommendations to you, but if the recommendation(s) does not make any sense to you, or you disagree, definitely consider getting a second opinion.

Yeah she did! As soon as she said it I said I'd heard stories of them spreading etc and she just shrugged it off and went "nah". She's an experienced dentist from what I can tell too, been around a while. I doubt I'd be able to afford £900 for it dont privately as she said would be required anyway :/

I might ring them up tomorrow and ask if I can talk to a dentist on the phone for a second opinion.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Good idea to go to the endodontist for a consult and see what they say to take a look at it. the consult will cost minimal usually, you don't have to go ahead with it, but would be interesting to see if they say the same thing like just ignore it. or what they would say?

 

[AbscessAnxiety]

Good idea to go to the endodontist for a consult and see what they say to take a look at it. the consult will cost minimal usually, you don't have to go ahead with it, but would be interesting to see if they say the same thing like just ignore it. or what they would say?

I've got a second appointment with the same dentist next week, I think I'm gonna bring it back up again and hint that I want something doing about it and I'm terrified it'll spread. Cos I really am haha

 

[grumpybear]

I think it may be better to see an endodontist or at least another dentist for a second opinion. My dentist told me that a tooth that is already dead would need a root canal or an extraction to remove the source of infection. So I still cannot wrap my head around why an experienced dentist would suggest to just ignore a tooth that is already having an infection.

If you don't do anything, you could be looking at chronic infection which would keep your body's immune system busy.