Root canal done improperly?
Added: October 22, 2009 - 11:14 PM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Westbury, NY
Need Dentist / Specialist:
Yes
Provide Cost Estimate:
Yes
X-rays Available:
Yes
Case Summary
Root Canal
Teeth: 30
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: early 2009
Last Cleaning: summer 2009
Case Description
The molar on my lower right had a root canal and crown done at the North Shore Univ. dental clinic in Manhasset,NY several years ago. Before the root canal the tooth was giving me pain due to a cavity that went too deep, after the RCT I had no problems with the tooth, until late this summer, I had swelling (but no pain) in the gum around the tooth. An X-Ray was taken and the dentist said there was an abscess there, it was drained, and I was put on Penicillin for 2 weeks. The swelling went away. I go for a return visit a couple weeks ago, and the dentist said the tooth still needed to come out. They didn't take another X-Ray, but according to the endo on duty, he stressed it needed to come out soon because of bone loss. It was also said that the dentist that performed the root canal went too deep with one of the posts and this is the reason why the abscess formed and why the tooth needs to come out! The dentist I have for this year (its a clinic so they rotate dentists) said that it is still infected, and that this infection eats bone. They are stressing me getting it pulled ASAP because the longer I wait the harder it will be to put an implant in. But implants aren't covered by my insurance, and I still haven't finished paying off the Root Canal/Crown. I'm not having any major pain or swelling problems,Its not bothering me, so if it aint broke down fix it. Am I doing the wrong thing? Should I see a lawyer? I am stuck between a rock and hard place because I cant afford implants or bridges since my insurance dont cover them, and if I get the tooth pulled and dont put anything there the dentist says my teeth will shift. I'm starting to get an aching pain from it tonight so I am wonderng if I should just have it pulled. Or maybe I should go somewhere else for my dentistry? All I know is I cant afford to lay out any more money. I am on a limited income and can only have work covered by insurance done, which the dentist office says they will refuse to do if I stop paying them.
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Reply: Root canal done improperly?
added: October 23, 2009 - 6:10 AM
Cost Estimate: $ No Estimate at this time. Additional information required.
Hello,I would suggest at least one other opinion on your situation. Yes there are times when root canals fail. It may not have anything at all to do with the post, but I obviously cant say for sure.There is one other procedure that can sometimes be done when a root canal tooth with a post and crown gets re-infected. This procedure is called an apicoectomy.Getting a second opinion, may let you know whether this treatment is feasible for your tooth.Because you have a limited budget (only what insurance will help cover), it does create difficulty offering you the best possible solutions.If you take out the tooth- a replacement doesnt have to done IMMEDIATELY. Yes your teeth will shift over time, but it wont show any significant shift for at least 6 months to 1 year- sometimes much longer.I am not a root canal specialist, but I do do a lot of root canal treatments. If you would like a FREE consultation { bring the xrays with you}, I will be happy to see you.Dr Gochman718 359-3555www.nysmilecreators.com
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