Could be but impossible for us to tell from here.
Get a second opinion, either from another GP or
an enedodontist.
To learn more about RCT check out:
www.aae.org

--

W_B
Take out the G'RBAGE
wubbabubbazG@RBAGEyahoo.com

Almost 3 years ago I fell and hit a front tooth. It chipped a little.
Furthermore, a bright light held behind the tooth reveals cracks.  It
discolored a bit.  It hurt significantly initially.  I had it examined
at that time and was advised I would probably need a root canal
eventually.  Now it still hurts a bit intermittantly, but the pain is
minor, and usually completely controlled by one otc Naproxen.  

Six months ago my dentist did a test with an ice cube and got no
reaction from me, and she proclaimed the tooth dead and in need of root
canal.  I had a communication problem with this dentist and will
probably seek future dental care at a different clinic.  It's time for
my biannual exam, and I'm contemplating having this work done. Although
I will explore these issues with my new dentist, I thought I would ask
here:

What is the urgency level for a procedure on this tooth? It has not
bothered me (much) for over 2 years, so I have the impression this is an
elective decision. Am I wrong? Are bad things happening that I am
unaware of?  

(I am somewhat reluctant to go forward with procedures on this tooth, as
I have had several crowns, and I believe that crown are never quite as
comfortable as the original teeth. And there is another issue too, which
I explore in a different thread here.)

Thanks.
Pete