Question:I'm getting constant pain from a tooth that frll apart and exposed the root canal. I bit down on a potatoe chip and it seemed like it pushed down on the pin, ive had pain ever since about 3-4 weeks now. What shall i do ?
Dr. Atcha: Looks like you need to have a root canal done as the root may be exposed and it may cause an infection if it is not treated.
Is there a any new therapies done with laser to do a root canal? Also why do dentists not seal all the teeth to prevent tooth decay especially on someone who is much older?
Imelda, TX
Dr. Kelley: No lasers are still primarily used for soft tissue, and decay removal. Sometimes we do seal all the teeth. Most of the time we do not because by the time a person is an adult if their oral hygiene is good, they have usually gotten all of the cavities they are going to get. Cavities usually start in areas of the teeth with enamel defects.
I had a root canal 10 days ago but my tooth is hurting and feels hot. My dentist prescribed antibiotics and medicine for inflammation. My question is should i have the tooth removed if the pain dosent go away when i finish my medicine?
Sheila, Alabama
Dr. Marcarian: No, if the pain does not go away your dentist will decide the next course of action.
I live in north Africa and need some advice. I'm having pain when drinking hot or cold. If I am not careful, the pain rediates and lasts for hours. I saw the dentist and there is no obvious cause. It doesn't hurt to chew or tap on it. But definitely sensitive and he said I need root canal treatment but because of the location of the tooth (upper right 7, in my small mouth) the work would be too difficult. He offered an alternative of filling it with some substance that would kill the root and when sure there is no pain, closing with a filling. However, he warned me that the substance is a suspected carcinogenic. I can not find any literature locally. What is the substance? What are the risks? Is it worth saving this tooth? I had all 4 implacted wisdom teeth surgically removed years ago. Also the upper 5's for orthodontics work when I was young, later a lower 1 because of crowding. I am down to 25 teeth and would like to keep this one.
Margaret, N. Africa
Dr. Marcarian: The classic symptoms of root canal infection is throbbing pain and inability of chewing on it. Your symptoms sound more like a gum recession (sensitive to hot and cold with lingering pain). Try fluoride applications (tooth paste with more fluoride, or fluoride mouth rinses), this will help but will not take care of the problem right away. Of course, it is difficult to diagnose your condition without x-ray and exam, but I would stay away from root canal if the tooth does not hurt when you chew on it. It is always best to rely on your doctors advise.
My husband had a root canal done on Thursday he's in alot of pain still from it . he has temporary filling now in that specific tooth. Is he supposed to be in that much pain? Should he stay away from certain foods until he gets the tooth filled?
Dana, NJ
Dr. Marcarian: It is normal to have some dicomfort after root canal treatment. It is best to follow up with the doctor who did the treatment. As far as food, he can have his regular diet, and just avoid chewing on the side that was treated.
I am 43 yrs old and until 9 months ago, I had only 1 root canal. It was done around age 30, and 6 years later it did fail, but an Endoconics DDS was able to save the tooth. Then, in Dec of last year, I went in to have 2 old fillings on the upper right (tooth #'s 4 & 5)that had grayed, taken out and replaced with white fillings, by my regular dentist. Instead, I ended up with 2 roots canals and 2 emperess crowns, which looked beautiful...however, a few months later, 1 of the 2 root canals became infected and I lost my first tooth - - - which was devastating to me! I hadn't even considered that an option at my age. I am very particular about flossing, brushing,etc, and my overall appearance, so the loss of a tooth and having to wear a stay plate was very difficult for me. My surgeon said that I had a "heightened level of anxiety about the situation." I am now in the process of wearing a stay plate, have an implant scheduled, and will do an emperess crown over it. The replacement should be complete by summer. I was shocked that it is such a long and expensive process! I always so enjoyed going to the dentist and now, I am fearful that even a simple filling appointment, can turn into such a tramatic event! Are some people more suseptible to problems with root canal/crown work? I have now had 2 out of 3 root canals fail...should I consider having future work done by an Endodonics specialist as oppossed to my regular dentist? Could my nightime bite-guard have anything to do with additional pressure on the crown/root canal that could have caused a fracture and subsequent infection? Your expert opinion will be greatly appreicated! Thank you so much!!!
Sabrina, CA
Dr. Asensio: I am sadden by your situation and i would like to share some information that may help you understand what happened. According to the latest information by the American Association of Endodontists today root canal therapy is the best choice over removing the tooth when the nerves in a tooth fails to function due to infection of injury. The long term success is over 90 % when performed correctly. Endodontists( or root canal specialists) are specially trained dentist to treat this situations. however, most general dentist also have some training on the matter and some may have more experience than some specialist. So, who should do the treatment? This is a decision the patient has to make themselves, however, we should believe that the specialist should be a good choice. Now, yes some people are more prone to infections inflammations and or less than ideal healing in general and this may influence the outcome of the treatment. This may be your case and situation. Having experienced treatment by different doctors at different times with the same result is a good indicator. Also, grinding of the teeth or Bruxism is very detrimental to your teeth. This may also be part of the cause of needing root canal treatment to begin with. Make sure your dentist recognizes this and treats you accordingly regardless of any other treatment you receive. Does this mean all root canals will fail on you? No one can really answer this question. Remember, saving your natural tooth is always better than the alternatives.(of the alternatives, implants should be at the top of the list) I hope this information will help you understand better what may be happening to your dentition.
Three years ago, I had root canal work on #19 and a crown. I am now experiencing some pain in that area. I went to the dentist and he referred me to an endodontist. My problem is I cannot afford 900.00 to have this tooth redone. I understand that the entire process of having the crown removed and redone must be done and it is a very expensive procedure. What else can I do? Can the infected root canal be treated? Should I have the tooth removed altogether before it becomes very painful?
Nadia, FL
Dr. Asensio:A tooth that had root canal treatment in the past and is reinfected can be retreated. However, retreatment long term success is lower than the original 90 to 95%. If you can get it done do it. Your own tooth is better than no tooth at all and it beats the alternatives in longevity and cost. For example the best alternative is an implant to replace the lost tooth . This is several time more than the cost to save it. Keep in mind that i do not know why it failed in the first place. This should influence your final decision. I would suggest for you to go and consult with the specialist( Endodontist) to see what he would suggest once he/she sees your particular situation.
I need a root canal but I had to leave the dentist office because I freaked out with the damn in my mouth. Can a root canal be done without one...or what type of sedation would be best without an IV? How would I go about finding an endodontist in Arizona that would help with my problems? Thanks!
Dr. Asensio: Mark, rubber damns are not the new thing. They have been used in dentistry for decades. The main purpose of its use is to protect the patient from things falling into their mouth. Another major use is to protect the tooth being treated from contamination of saliva etc...Doing a root canal without it can be done, but is not recommended since it will decrease the success rate of the treatment. If the phobia is a problem why don't you try sedation dentistry...oral sedation is a good alternative. For more information on this alternative or to find out about a certified dentist near you, please go to: www.sedationcare.com
Hello Dr. I am a concerned parent of a very scared 6 year old. I was told by the family dentist, which is not a pediatric dentist, that he needed a pulpectomy/baby root canal; however, my son is not in pain and the cavity is close to the root, but not touching it. This tooth had a previous filling in it by this dentist a year ago, and obviously must have fallen out. I am just concerned that this might be toradical. Unfortunately, all I have is Medicaid and my options are kinda short. I am willing to pay if necessary. I just do not know if this is the right procedure for my son. Please help!
Dr. Asensio: Root canal treatment for baby teeth and permanent teeth are not the same kind of treatment. A 6 year old probably has a mix of both baby and permanent teeth. If the tooth is decayed, badly broken, or infected the treatment indicated is a "baby tooth root canal." In this case only the tissue inside the clinical crown of the tooth is removed medicaments are placed inside and the tooth is covered with a stainless steel crown. The alternative to this treatment is the removal of the tooth. Now be advised that removing the tooth may not be the best alternative in the long term. For example, the baby teeth are helpers for the control of the spaces for permanent teeth and losing one too early may bring a problem with the permanent teeth.
