How can a dentist leave a dental file behind?

[mistycoffey]

   I had a root canal done at which time before the dentist could clean out my roots?, the file broke in my tooth...he said about 5-6 mm and that he was unable to get it out....he continued with the root canal after he took a break from me and worked on three other patients by that time I was dry mouthed from sitting there with my mouth wide open and sticks coming out of my tooth.......he came back to finish up and I was barely knumb and he said he couldn't administer anymore shots and to hang in there......2 days later I went to the er with facial swelling,and my eye lid almost swolled shut....and again today....with worse tooth pain and headaches......they gave me antibiotics even though they saw no swelling of my gums.....
    I was told that I would need to see an endodontist and have it extracted or the tooth removed.....I will not go back to the dentist that did the work because he said he couldn't get it out and the whole thing was agonizingly painful and I can't find a dentist that will touch the tooth for another root canal because it's not their work...what in the world does that mean? I just know that I have welfare insurance...I am on social security,and have 3 kids....even if I could find a dentist that would touch that tooth....and haven't had luck yet...it wouldn't be one that would take my insurance.......so I am left with an infection that is riddling my face and taking my insanity and no one that will take the cash that I DON"T have to begin with...or my welfare insurance.....and I don't want to lose the tooth but I can't take penicillan for the rest of my life...any suggestions.....I live in washington state and dentists around here don't help the poor unless you are under 18.........also when the doctor said that leaving that their was normal and not cleaning out my root..and doing the root canal anyways is that normal?

[SGMike]

I read your story and I feel so sorry for you. I am frightened to death of dentists and have stayed away from them for a long time until recently. Just to give you an example. I was probably 20 years old when a dentist said I had 3 cavities that I needed to come back and have filled. I felt NO pain where these supposed cavities were and now 20+ years later I still feel no pain. It really makes you wonder the ethical nature of that. What do you think?

[babygirl6152]

I have heard that occasionall a tiny piece of file breaks off during the root canal- I just went to the endodontist today- My root canal was done 15 years ago and hasn't given me trouble til this year.... and she showed me a tiny file piece that had broken off (on xrays) - but to not yours that IS causing PAIN removed eventually- that is torture..... one of the greatest tortures known in military service is not to the genitals or palms of feet- the worst torture is that of dental torture. My husband said one of the first things military men are asked when they sign up is- "Do you still have your wisdom teeth?"
Try Catholic Charities- lots of times they have money set aside for lower income families in desperate situations. You will have to fill out more paperwork, but it would be worth it if they approve your request.

[scottma]

Going to a dental school is advised.