Dentist/Root canal treatment

I went to a dentist to do a filling.

He drilled a bit and mumbled I need need root canal treatment.

I kept quiet at that time on the assumption, he will explain to me what is a root canal treatment and why do I need that. After a few minutes, he asked his assistant to get file, which I know is for root canal treatment. I stopped him at this time because I do no want to do a root canal treatment. I am comfortable to sign a statement to say I declined root canal treatment although recommended by a dental professional. But is it appropriate to go just go ahead with a complicated procedure without explaining to the patient?

He then went ahead to do a standard filling at my request.

After the filling was completed, he told me if I do not do a root canal treatment, I will get an abscess. I suspect the drilling has already exposed the root because he already asked for the file.

I can only hope for the best now, drilling already done and cannot be reversed.

I noticed many dentists like to tell patients to do root canal treatment.

While I appreciate at time this is necessary. But based on what I read on the internet, it is to treat infected roots. I cannot help but suspect one of the motivations for root canal treatment is financial perspective. A root canal treatment is expensive, and a crown is usually required thereafter. Hence it can create a possible abuse of this treatment. My understanding is a root canal treatment kills the tooth, hence no pain after that. A possible risk implication is if the tooth is not properly cleaned, a decay can still start underneath and because the tooth is already dead, the person will not feel the pain and hence not aware of a decay.

I wrote this to share with other people.

Be very careful when we visit dentist.

We need to tell them, I need to be informed of what is the treatment he/she wants to do.

I am sorry if some people are upset reading this.

I have met very professional dentist, unfortunately there will be some black sheeps too.