So, I just found out I need a root canal (yay me, right?). Anyway, my dentist quoted me a price that made my wallet cry a little, so I've been looking into cheaper options. Seems like the two main contenders are going to a dental school or hitting up one of those discount dental clinics.
Dental school's cheaper for sure, but I'm kinda nervous about having students poking around in there. I mean, I know they're supervised and all, but still...it's my tooth we're talking about. On the other hand, the discount clinic has licensed dentists but reviews are all over the place—some people swear by them, others say it's rushed and impersonal.
Has anyone here gone either route? Curious how it went for you and if you'd do it again or steer clear next time.
I went the dental school route about 2 years ago—needed a crown rather than a root canal, but similar deal. Honestly, the procedure itself was fine, just took forever because the student had to keep checking in with the supervising dentist every step of the way. The upside was they were super careful and thorough, downside...it was like 3 hours in the chair. Are you okay with it taking longer if it means saving some cash?
Dental schools are definitely a solid option if you're okay with the extra chair time, but honestly, sometimes discount clinics can surprise you. I've seen patients who've had great experiences at smaller clinics because the dentists there handle these procedures day in and day out—so they're quicker without sacrificing quality. Sure, dental students are meticulous (which is awesome), but speed and efficiency also come from experience. If sitting for hours sounds rough, it might be worth checking out a reputable discount clinic instead. Just make sure to read reviews or ask around first...saving money doesn't have to mean sacrificing your entire afternoon.
I've been through a couple root canals myself, and honestly, I totally get the anxiety around this decision. Dental schools are great if you're patient enough to sit through the extra time—students really do take their time to get things right. But personally, as someone who gets pretty anxious in the chair, I found that having an experienced dentist who does these procedures regularly made a huge difference for me. The quicker pace actually helped ease my nerves because I wasn't stuck there overthinking every little sound or sensation.
That said, discount clinics can be hit or miss, so definitely do your homework first. Check reviews carefully and maybe even call ahead to ask about their experience with root canals specifically. Trust your gut feeling too—if something feels off or rushed when you talk to them, it's okay to keep looking. Good luck...I know it's stressful, but you'll get through it!
Good luck...I know it's stressful, but you'll get through it!
The previous poster makes a valid point regarding anxiety management during dental procedures. Another factor worth considering is the complexity of your specific root canal. If it's a straightforward case, a supervised dental student might handle it adequately, albeit slowly. However, for more complicated cases—such as curved roots or previous infections—an experienced dentist at a discount clinic could potentially offer better outcomes. Evaluating your tooth's condition carefully with your current dentist might help clarify which option suits your situation best.
