Root canal and crowns

My wife went to the dentist because one of her teeth hurt. The dentist told her that she needed two root canals and two crowns. My wife went into his office and endured a procedure for about two hours. She believed that she had had the root canal. The dentist is now saying that that was the prep for the crown and he does not do root canals. He even said that he does not even do root canals in his practice after we asked him. I am under the impression that one needs to have the root canal before getting crowns put on. Am I wrong or did this dentist just do a $2600 procedure that may get messed up when my wife gets a root canal from a dentist who does root canals? Also, we told the dentist that we had $2000 coverage from insurance and couldn't afford much more than that if that helps.

thank you; orei

[scottma]

The treatment sequence is probably an unusual practice. Seeing an endodontist is advised.

[mammo]

At this point you have no choice but to see an Endodontist, this is who does the root canal. Unfortunately, you went to a dentist who only does the prep and then sends you to the specialist for the root canal, who then sends you back to that same dentist for the crown.  I personally think it's a scam, as there are many dentists who are qualified to do it all.  Mine have always been done by a dentist, with excellent results. Plus, I got the root canal done first, then the crown. But now you have have to follow through with this dentist since you've paid for all the prep, and don't want to have to endure these costs again.  If 2 hours of prep was done then your wife should have 2 temporary crowns on the two teeth that need the root canals.  Do what needs to be done to get this completed with your wife, then confront the dentist about the extra expense, withholding information, etc.  Also, how much insurance you have does come into play, but they  don't care.  They expext you to get a loan or second mortgage your house if need be to pay them.  I would definitely find a new dentist who does root canals, and is more reputable for future problems.