Dental Nightmare

My brother (47) went to the dentist over a month ago as he had lost a gold filling some time ago. The dentist had asked him to bring in the filling if he could find it. He did so but the dentist said the filling was not usable. He then told him that he needed a root canal. My brother was not having any pain, but is not knowledgable and trusted the professional. There is also a language barrier as the dentist is from India and the assistant is Russian. Following the root canal, a crown was to be put on in 10 days. The temporary fell off in three days but the dentist said there was nothing he could do. My brother went along with the pain and waited for his next appointment. At that appointment, the dentist said he could have to do work on the adjacent tooth and began drilling. This apointment lasted for two hours and ended when the assistant dropped something down his throat and he began to gag and choke. She tried to hold him down but he got up. They began again but then the dentist broke off part of a file in his tooth. They said they did not have equipment to "vibrate it out" and that he would need to come back the next week. That was this morning and they still cannot get it out and have reffered him to an orthodontist. They have also said that now he will need a root canal on that tooth.

I have had plenty of dentistry in my life but have never had a root canal unless I was in pain. I have also had two crowns but did not have root canals for them.

I am very concerned about this dentist. Any advise?

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

I can't speak for the dentist as I am unable to see the x-rays, exam etc of your brother's oral health.  If you feel uncomfortable or are concerned about his treatment or his dentist, its always better to seek a second opinion because trust is a very important aspect of the dentist-patient relationship and will go a long way to resolving any issues or concerns that either party may have.