Four weeks ago I developed a small lump on my lower jawbone, under a tooth that previously had undergone a root canal. After a visit to the dentist, xrays and antibiotics, my puzzled dentist referred me to an endodontist-( someone who specializes in root canals, and I’m assuming they don’t have many friends),  for further examination – no  sign of an abcess, swelling or fever associated with an infection.  I arrived for my appointment, waited an additional 20 minutes beyond my designated time, and was finally escorted into the examination room. I explained in detail the problem  and for the next 20 minutes, my mouth was poked , scraped, xrayed and otherwise scrutinized. Nothing clinical occurred, just a visual with xray, and still no definitive answer as to the cause of the rock hard lump on my jaw.

End result? Since there was no indication as to why this painless lump was on my jaw, another root canal must be performed again, which might not work or find the problem, and would possibly be followed by surgery which is complicated and, in the endodontist’s words- “not good”. At this point, it would be hoped that the  cause and origin of the lump would be determined, thus solving the initial problem. Oh yes, I forgot – since I had already had a root canal (failed) on that tooth, Blue Cross would not cover the cost again, and so the procedure which would most likely not solve the problem would cost me $1500.00. Don’t  even ask how much the surgery costs.

There is no Cinderella ending  to this storey- the 30 minute consult cost me $100.00, and that was only because I brought one Xray with me! It would have been $175.00…. I think I’m in the wrong line of business.