Is root canal needed?

[jshtick]

Back in 2005, I had a deep filling in one of my front tooth. Just recently the filling fell off. So I went to a dentist. After looking at xrays, he tells that front tooth needs a root canal since the abcess has reached the nerve. Somehow I am not feeling pain perhaps he says since the other dentist who did the filling killed the nerve.

I am questioning the need for the root canal. The only reason I can imagine would be if the abcess spreads to other teeth but I won't think thats likely. Plus, isnt the whole idea of the filling to remove the bacteria, so how does it reach the nerve? should also add through my uneducated eyes, i cannot see any bacteria on the tooth itself.

[lynn117]

also the infection could pass to the bone which can cause serious problems including bone loss that can cause loss of additional teeth.

[scottma]

It appears that there is a periapical lesion demonstrated on x-ray. Root canal treatment is indicated, although you are asymptomatic at present. The lesion tends to enlarge and will cause symptom later on. Seeing an endodontist is advised.