Will my regular dentist remove my root canal?!


Question: Will my regular dentist remove my root canal?
My dental crown ( two years old ) fell out for the FOURTH time last night ( in a six months span ) while eating. For that reason, and a few others I'd like this remaining tooth removed and also the root canal. I can't keep going to the dentist once a months for adjustments, it's really annoying. This crown refuses to stay in my mouth.

Do I have to see a special dentist or will mine do this procedure? How much is a dental implant for the vacant space? Is the procedure dangerous?

Thanks

Answers:

A regular dentist will not attempt this procedure if they are smart because they don't have the tools, training, equipment, or staff to do it safely and properly. It has to be done by an oral surgeon that specializes in these types of things because there can be complications if not done right.

I had a similar experience last month when I developed an infection under an old crown on a molar that had had a root canal. I begged my family dentist to remove it because it hurt so bad, but he wouldn't do it because it isn't a simple extraction and I live in a large metropolitan area. The tooth was cracked, though that wasn't obvious from the x-ray, and had to be removed by an oral surgeon that had the proper implements and years of experience with that sort of thing. And because it was infected, it still hurt like hell, and I'm relatively tough. I just didn't have the $500 to pay for general anesthetic, but really wish I did. I've had wisdom teeth and a couple of other molars removed with locals that didn't hurt too much, but this one was a beast because of the infection.

I can't answer your questions about the implant other than they can be very expensive, depending on what type of tooth it is. Your dentist or oral surgeon can advise you much better than we can. I know the procedure is much less dangerous and probably less painful than the root canal, but will cost more. The oral surgeon will also consult with you about the possibility of an implant because that affects how they complete the extraction.

It sounds like you may need to see another dentist that can properly anchor the crown, though. Because you've already spent the money and endured the pain involved in a root canal and crown, it might be better if you can find someone that can permanently treat this tooth without removing it. Obviously, they can also list your options based on your age, habits, general health, and the condition of the specific tooth better than we can.

Unless it's an emergency and you live in a rural area, a family dentist will probably not attempt this procedure, but will refer you to an oral surgeon. They should be able to do this over the phone, via email, or with an office visit to pick up a list of them in your area.



If a crown comes out, there is a reason, period. The most common reason is a bad fit and you should ask your dentist to explain what is going on. A bad fit means that it isn't sealed well to the tooth and can allow decay to get started under the crown. or the cement holding the crown on to be washed out. You don't say if this dentist is the one who put the crown in to begin with. If not, he/she may be trying to help you out by trying to make it work instead of saying that you need one that fits properly and charging you for a new one. If this dentist did the crown originally, it should last far longer than 2 years and you should ask to have it remade or go elsewhere. My oldest crown is 18 years old and has never come out, as it should be.

A root canal is a treatment done to the inside of the tooth, so if you have it extracted, the root canal will be gone also. You will have to ask your dentist if he/she will do this extraction. Some generals will and some will refer you to an oral surgeon on a case by case basis. Every situation is different and a skilled dentist will know their limits. In my general practice office we do about 90% of extractions.

Implants are the best thing going for replacement and totally safe, but they are expensive and then you still have to have a crown put on top of it. Always better and cheaper to keep your teeth if possible.

I am an RDA




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