I have had at least 3 root canals performed by Dr. Vignaroli over the last 15+ years. The first two I had absolutely NO complaints. In fact I was impressed when he called my house afterwards to see how I was doing (root canal #1). I did appreciate that he explained the process throughout.
Fast forward to root canal in December 2015 right before the holidays. I had a root canal performed on a Monday. I thought all was well. And, anyone who has experienced the need for a root canal probably remembers the feeling when the tooth no longer hurts (post root canal). Well, by late Tuesday afternoon of the next day, I didn't feel like I had a root canal. I still felt discomfort and I could really tell that the antibiotics were not working. I called Dr. Vignaroli's office and his assistant said I needed to give the antibiotics 72 hours to work.
Wednesday... called Dr. Vignaroli's office yet again. Begged for a different antibiotic and was given one. However, this time the assistant told me if it didn't work, there was nothing else they could do, that I would have to have the tooth extracted. Really? Without even seeing me?
Thursday... called the office again and asked to speak to Dr. Vignaroli. He wasn't in. He did call me back and my better half decided he should talk to him. Dr. Vignaroli seemed a bit annoyed and said that if the antibiotics weren't doing the trick, that he had already told me the tooth may be cracked and that I would need to have it extracted. Again, without seeing me.
On Friday I couldn't take it any longer. I called my dentist (three towns over) and spoke to his assistant. Explained my situation and asked for help. We honestly wanted a second opinion (actually seeing me) before I signed up for a tooth extraction. Although, at this stage, I was thinking it might be better to be toothless! I was in pain, couldn't sleep and it had been days! My dentist's assistant was a miracle worker. She got me in to see an endodontist that was over-booked but willing to squeeze me in. What a kind, professional Endodontist! Dr. Ryan in Danville if you ever need a compassionate and skilled endodontist.
Dr. Ryan took an x-ray and picture of my face (so the next visit he could compare the swelling), and examined the tooth in question. Then he prescribed what he referred to as a miracle drug... a steroid (pill) taken to reduce the swelling and allow the tooth to heal along with the antibiotics. He gave me hope! And, two days later I was virtually pain free!!!! At least to the point where I could eat on that side and sleeping was no problem!
So the lesson is this. Even when you think your doctor is the best (which I did for 15+ years with Dr. Vignaroli). They can be WRONG! Thank God my better half told me to get a second opinion and that my dentist's assistant (angel, Stephanie) helped me make that happen.
Dr. Vignaroli, I'm sure you didn't intend on letting this happen, but really... shame on you. You are better than that. You should have told me to come in so you could take a look yourself. And, if you are not aware of the steroid you can take to help the healing... perhaps you should find out about it. read more