That hidden canal thing is wild—same deal happened to my cousin. She thought the root canal was a done deal, but months later, the pain came back and it turned out there was a tiny extra canal nobody spotted the first time. I get why advanced tech isn’t always used up front—it’s expensive, and insurance barely covers the basics. Still, feels like a gamble sometimes. I wish insurance would catch up to the tech, honestly... it’d save everyone a lot of grief (and cash) in the long run.
Honestly, I’m convinced teeth are just out to get us. I had braces for two years and thought I’d done my time, but then a molar started acting up. Dentist said root canal, no biggie... except it was. Fast forward six months, and I’m back in the chair because apparently my tooth had a “secret passage” nobody noticed. I swear, if my teeth were this creative when I was a kid, maybe I’d have gotten out of eating broccoli more.
Anyway, I totally get what you mean about insurance. They’ll cover like half a filling but not the fancy imaging that could actually prevent all this mess? Makes zero sense. Has anyone here actually had their insurance pay for one of those 3D scans or whatever? Or is that just wishful thinking? Sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth asking, or if I should just start saving up for my teeth’s next surprise party...
Root canals needing a redo is basically my dental nightmare. I’m about to get my first one and now I keep reading about “hidden” canals and it’s freaking me out a little. My dentist mentioned those 3D scans too—CBCT or something? Insurance said nope, not covered, unless it’s “medically necessary,” which apparently means “good luck.” I almost wish my teeth would just send me a calendar invite for their next drama instead of these surprise attacks.
Teeth really do love the element of surprise, don’t they? I totally relate—mine seem to have a flair for drama too. The CBCT thing is wild, but honestly, most root canals go fine without it. Try not to stress too much...easier said than done, I know.
Teeth really do love the element of surprise, don’t they?
Honestly, sometimes I wish teeth would just chill. I’ve seen root canals need a do-over even when everything looked textbook perfect the first time. It’s nerve-wracking for both sides, trust me. I get why CBCT scans seem like overkill, but after seeing a missed extra canal on one of my own patients (despite “normal” X-rays), I’m kinda paranoid about it now... Not saying everyone needs one, but man, those hidden surprises haunt me.
