I have a long and upsetting dental horror story. I'd appreciate any help, insight, advice, commiseration. Last week I received a root canal by a general dentist on a second molar. For a number of reasons I felt uncomfortable with the level of care during and after the procedure. The dentist hadn't offered a referral to an endodontic specialist before commencing work, did not inform me of the potential risks of the procedure or have me sign any agreement to the risks, hadn't used a rubber dam, and so on. During the procedure I got the impression that an issue arose that the dental assistant noted (she picked up an instrument, and the dentist told her to drop it). At the end of the procedure the dentist handed me an x-ray and told me that it was finished.

My confidence in the dentist was shot, so I decided to seek another dentist to finish the restoration work. I explained my situation and concerns about the last dentist. The new dentist took an x-ray at his office at our initial consultation and stated that he didn't see anything demanding special attention, and so we scheduled restoration work.

In the last week I noticed continuing sensitivity and odd pain (tapping on the tooth caused discomfort and a pain response, hot liquids and food caused a brief, but sharp pain response). So I decided I better see an endodontist for another opinion.

The endodontist took an x-ray and noted two major issues: an underfilled canal with a likely broken instrument, and an underfilled canal over 3mm from the apex of the other root. Neither of which the original dentist had mentioned during or after the procedure (which he said was finished). The endodontist told me my options were either retreatment costing nearly $2000, or taking the risk of restoration on a tooth that would have problems in the future.

I'm incredibly upset, both about the potential health effects and complications the first dentist exposed me to, and the added financial burden of fixing it. I'm not sure if I have any good options here, or what options I even have. I'd appreciate any advice you can offer here. I've looked into my state's dental board, and there is a complaint process.

Help. I've attached a picture of the endodontist's radiograph. Thanks for reading.

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