Need opinion on whether if I need root canal done

[JonLau]

3 weeks ago while I was drinking a cold glass of milk I felt a sharp pain in one of my front teeth. A few days later I had a regular monthly checkup (because I have braces) and told the dentist of this certain pain and he relieved some pressure on my front teeth. Perhaps the following few days after I just drank cold water and the pain would start to come back though not as severe.  It has been 3 weeks or so since I first felt that sharp pain in my tooth though now I barely feel anything when drinking a cold class or milk, water, juice.  However I do feel a slight pressure on the questionable tooth.  I have since gone to the dentist once more and he said that I have a root canal because apparently the tooth is somewhat darker meaning the nerves inside are inflamed or something.  I am not covered by insurance so the price of the surgery would be costly and I am just 20 years old so that's quite a bit of money. I have scheduled for root canal date but I would like to have a 2nd opinion from you guys and will try to see a local Endodontist before then. Any help would be appreciated!

[GeezLouize75]

Having pain while drinking hot or cold beverages does not necessarily mean you need a root canal.  I have had the same problem and found out I had brushed the enamel off of some of my teeth from brushing them too hard and using an abrasive tooth paste.  They recommended that I use Sensodine or some other tooth paste that is for sensitive teeth.  I would definitely try that before I go let someone do a root canal.

[joeytray]

I totally agree with the previous writer.  If you haven't tried a sensitive toothpaste I would start there.  Once you've had root canal surgery, should you have any additional problems with it you will have to have it pulled because it's no a viable tooth because of the loss of blood supply from the root extraction.  Also, along with the root canal you also have to have a crown placed on the tooth which will be an additional costs to you.  If your dentist isn't saying it's must I would wait.  I had root canal a couple of years ago and after paying about over $500 after my insurance I still had to have it pulled when my crown broke not even 6 month later.