Will I Regret Not Getting a Tooth Extraction and Dental Implant?

I had a root canal in 2020 without any problems until now. The tooth has hurt on and off for the past month, but now it’s starting to throb. I am afraid that I will need an extraction. Is it worth repeating a root canal, or would I regret not getting an extraction and a dental implant? – Thanks. Elias

 

Elias

Root canal failure can be frustrating and painful. It happens when a tooth doesn’t heal completely after a root canal treatment, leading to recurring symptoms. Your symptoms may be the result of root canal failure.

What Causes Root Canal Failure?

A hidden tooth infection or curvy tooth roots can contribute to root canal failure:

• Hidden infection: It can be challenging for a dentist to remove all the infection from a tooth’s complex root canals. Even a tiny amount of remaining bacteria can cause problems later.
• Curved or branching roots: These can make it hard to reach and clean all areas of the tooth.

What Are the Treatment Options for Root Canal Failure?

The treatment options for root canal failure are retreatment, root canal surgery, or extraction and a dental implant for an unsavable tooth.

• Retreatment: A dentist can attempt to clean the infected area and seal it again.
• Root canal surgery: A dentist or specialist must access the tip of a tooth near the gumline and through the bone to remove the infection. An endodontist (root canal specialist) typically performs this procedure (apicoectomy).
• Extraction for tooth fracture or an unsavable tooth: A crack in the tooth can also lead to pain and infection. Unfortunately, saving a tooth with a severe fracture can be challenging.

See a dentist with extensive root canal treatment experience or an endodontist to discuss your options.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist sponsors this post.

How Will I Know If Direct Pulp Capping Worked for My Tooth?

Last month, my dentist performed a direct pulp capping on my top left second molar. After removing decay from the tooth, my dentist said the pulp capping would resolve the exposed tooth pulp. She used a cotton pellet to control minimal bleeding. However, my dentist left some decay that she said was too close to the pulp to remove. She did the pulp capping with calcium hydroxide and a glass ionomer. I’m getting this info from my dental records. The dentist placed an amalgam filling afterward. I don’t have any pain, but I think the tooth feels a little weird. How will I know whether the treatment was successful and I won’t need a root canal? Are there symptoms I should watch for? Thanks. Johanna from GA

Johanna,

A direct pulp cap can work well, and problems usually present immediately. However, we are concerned about your dentist’s technique.

What Happens During a Direct Pulp Capping?

The following steps for direct pulp capping on exposed tooth pulp increase the procedure’s success rate and help prevent the need for root canal treatment.

• Inspect the tooth pulp to ensure it is healthy. Your dentist correctly used a cotton pellet to control bleeding. Easily controlled bleeding signals a healthy pulp that can benefit from a cap. Calcium hydroxide and glass ionomer cement are good materials for the base. However, bonding a composite filling rather than placing an amalgam filling is the best way to seal the tooth and keep bacteria out.
• Remove all decay. Without removing all decay, bacteria in the tooth remain. It can slowly grow, cause an infection, and create the need for root canal treatment.

After a year or two, ask your dentist to x-ray the tooth. If the tooth is healthy, the dentist can remove the decay and replace the filling. The dentist may opt for a crown if removing decay significantly decreases tooth structure. A tooth that responds well to the procedure will develop a protective dentin layer beneath the filling.

We are glad that you don’t have any symptoms from the procedure. If your tooth becomes uncomfortable, see your dentist or ask for a referral to an endodontist (root canal specialist).

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post. Read how he provides some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.

What’s the Cheapest Way to Fix a Front Tooth Broken at the Gumline?

My left front tooth broke off just below the gumline. Is there an affordable way to fix it without dental implants? – Thanks. Drew from Indianapolis

Drew,

An affordable fix for a tooth broken just below the gumline won’t last long. Even if a dentist used dental composite at the bottom of the broken tooth, it would be affordable, but it wouldn’t look good.

We recommend adjusting your priority to preserving your tooth for a long time. Otherwise, you will lose the tooth.

What Is the Treatment for a Tooth Broken Below the Gumline?

A root canal is the treatment for a tooth broken below the gumline. A dentist would need to place a flexible carbon fiber or fiberglass post in the tooth to help it resist lateral stress from the force of biting. Two posts can increase the resistance of rotational forces that would weaken the tooth over time.

However, you need an exam and X-ray to determine the tooth’s condition and whether it is savable. According to the American Association of Endodontists (root canal specialists), tooth trauma can expose or fracture the tooth’s roots. Fractures closer to the gumline significantly affect a tooth’s viability.

A tooth post and dental crown may not work if you have a strong bite. If restoring your tooth is not beneficial for your long-term oral health, a dentist will recommend an extraction and dental implant. If you

Given the severity of the trauma to your tooth, seeking professional advice is important. The cheapest solution may not be in your best interest. Look for a dentist experienced in root canal treatment and dental implants to compare your treatment options and outcomes.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Dentist Can’t See Any Canals in My Tooth and Wants to Extract It

I have an upper right molar tooth with a cap on it. At my six-month dental appointment, my dentist said she didn’t see any canals in the tooth and that without the canal, she would need to extract the tooth because he couldn’t do a root canal. Although I’ve taken antibiotics, the tooth is still uncomfortable. I’ve researched the issue and found information on root calcification. Could this be why my dentist can’t see the canals in my tooth? Is extraction needed? – Thanks. Bethany from Syracuse, NY

Bethany,

Antibiotics alone will not remove a tooth infection, so we are unsure about your dentist’s diagnosis. If your tooth has been painful, it would likely need root canal treatment. After you stop taking antibiotics, the pain will recur because your dentist has not addressed the source of the tooth infection.

Your dentist’s inability to see canals in the tooth doesn’t mean canals don’t exist. The bone around upper molar teeth can make it challenging to see canals.

If you want to know if the tooth is savable, get a second opinion from an endodontist (root canal specialist). Also, you can ask your dentist to refer you to an endodontist. You may prefer a specialist not affiliated with your dentist to get an independent opinion of your tooth’s condition.

What is Canal Calcification?

Canal calcification is a process that occurs with age, causing a tooth’s canals to shrink. If a tooth is irritated, a buildup of dentin in the pulp chamber and canals will narrow or block the canals, making them more challenging to find on an X-ray. Narrow canals can also make root canal treatment more challenging. An endodontist’s experience and specialized tools that navigate calcified canals can benefit you.

See an endodontist before agreeing to an extraction, which requires some form of tooth replacement, such as a bridge or dental implant.

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post. Read how he strives to provide patients with some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.

My Dentist’s Misdiagnosis Led to Unnecessary Tooth Extraction

I was sensitive to cold foods and drinks in my lower right first molar, and my toothache felt worse if I touched the tooth. Since I didn’t have a regular dentist, I used an advertising dentist I had seen on TV and billboards.

The dentist said I had three impacted wisdom teeth, and one may be pushing on a nerve. He also recommended a filling in my tooth. After the filling, my tooth pain increased, so the dentist adjusted my bite and prescribed antibiotics. He told me to take over-the-counter pain medications. The tooth didn’t improve, so the dentist referred me to an oral surgeon for wisdom tooth removal. The first molar tooth still hurts, and I explained that the pain is not near my wisdom teeth.

Two days later, I went to the ER, and they took an X-ray, explaining that I had an abscess. My dentist referred me to an endodontist who was booked for three weeks. The oral surgeon agreed that I had an abscess but recommended an extraction since I couldn’t get a root canal. Now, I have lost a tooth and am out of hundreds of dollars for this nonsense. How can I get my money back? – Thank you. Ryan

 

Ryan,

Your dentist made severe mistakes in diagnosing and treating your oral pain. We recommend demanding that the dentist pay for your oral surgeon and ER visits and the cost of a dental implant to replace your missing first molar. Explain that you are willing to file a malpractice claim for damages.

Dental Diagnostic and Treatment Mistakes

The mistakes your dentist made with your first molar toothache include the following:

• Failure to recommend root canal treatment – Your toothache, increased pain when touched, and temperature sensitivity indicated that you needed root canal treatment. Bacteria caused tooth inflammation and probably spread to the root tip, which would cause sensitivity.
• Unnecessary dental filling and antibiotics —Your dentist placed a filling for deep decay and adjusted your bite. Also, the antibiotic prescriptions suggest that he may have thought you had a tooth infection yet did not recommend root canal treatment or refer you to an endodontist. Still, antibiotics alone do not remedy a tooth infection—root canal treatment does.
• Facial swelling—After seeing your swelling, it should have been clear that you had an infection. However, you had to go to the ER for help. Your dentist still didn’t drill an opening in your tooth to relieve your pain, which would have helped.
• Referral to an endodontist who couldn’t help promptly – Finally, after getting a referral, the endodontist couldn’t see you for two weeks. Your dentist should have done everything possible to find a specialist for prompt treatment.

What Can You Do If Your Dentist’s Treatment Was Unnecessary?

If your dentist’s treatment was unnecessary, you may allow them to pay for it before filing a legal claim. Your dentist should be willing to pay to replace your mistakenly extracted tooth with a dental implant. If your dentist is uncooperative, you may seek an attorney. Replacing the tooth is vital to prevent other teeth from drifting. Otherwise, the issue may disrupt your bite and lead to TMJ disorder.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.

What Can I Do If a Root Canal Filling Fell Out?

I had a root canal in March 2023. Within six months, I lost my job and dental insurance. I had not been to a dentist since that time. I now have dental insurance, so last week, I went for an exam and to get a consultation for teeth whitening. The dentist told me that the temporary cap is coming off the tooth, and the root canal filling is coming out. The metal post in my tooth is showing. I need to get it replaced before I get my teeth whitened. I was not planning on this type of expense right away. I am still catching up on bills. I just wanted to make my smile look good and feel a little better about myself. Is this something that must be fixed now, or can I find someone else to do the whitening? Thanks. Tracie

Tracie,

You need a dentist to replace the filling material. We understand that your financial situation has not improved enough for major dental work, but if the dentist you saw is not willing to do it inexpensively, you can find one who will do it. 

Root Canal Filling Material

Root canal filling material replaces the tooth pulp that a dentist cleans out of an infected tooth. But the filling material must be protected to prevent saliva and fluid from leaking in and reinfecting the tooth. A reinfected tooth needs repeat root canal treatment to save it.

Protecting the filling material – After root canal treatment, a dentist can protect the filling material in several ways:

• Insert a metal post in the tooth and fill the tooth with a bonding material. 
• Place a temporary crown over the tooth
• Place a permanent crown over the tooth

Although a filling over the tooth can last several years, eventually, you will need a dental crown.

When Root Canal Filling Comes Off

When root canal filling comes off, you must have a dentist replace it right away. It is the only way to save the tooth and prevent repeat root canal treatment.

Your oral health is the priority – Although we understand that you want to improve your smile with teeth whitening, any conscientious dentist will recommend stabilizing your oral health first. Bleaching treatment can irritate unhealthy teeth. A bright smile with a tooth that is in jeopardy of falling out is not a healthy smile. Please make oral health your priority and get teeth whitening afterward.

 

Rocky Hill, CT, dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.

How Much Dental Work Can I Get In One Visit?

Hi. I really don’t like going to the dentist. I want to finish dental work without too many dental appointments. I need two crowns and three root canals, and I want to get my teeth whitened. I put off the root canals and crowns for over a year. My dentist wants me to spread the treatment over two months, but I would like this done all at once. I don’t like a dentist who has me return unnecessarily. Can I get all this work done on the same day, or am I not being reasonable? – Ken from Reno, NV

Ken – Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns about minimizing dental visits and maximizing your time in the dental chair.

How Much Dental Work Can You Get in One Visit?

How much dental work you can get in one visit depends on several factors, including:

• The type of procedure
• Procedure complexity
• Extent of the work required
• Condition of your teeth
• Your oral health
• Your physical health
• Your dentist’s experience, skills, and recommendations
• Whether you get dental sedation and the type of sedation

How Does Sedation Dentistry Help a Dentist Accomplish More?

Sedation can help a dentist accomplish more work than without sedation for these reasons:

• You are relaxed – A patient’s anxiety, gag reflex, or inability to relax can limit how much work a dentist completes in one visit. However, dental sedation calms you and allows a dentist to proceed with treatment.
• Your dentist can focus – Your relaxed state allows the dentist to focus on your care while monitoring your vital signs during sedation.
• Decrease pain sensitivity – The American Dental Association confirms that using sedation for complex treatments can ease pain and anxiety.

Can You Get Teeth Whitening and Crowns on the Same Day?

A dentist must complete teeth whitening before placing dental crowns. Your dentist will want to ensure the crowns match your whitened teeth. It can take a week or two for your tooth color to stabilize after whitening.

Speak with your dentist regarding your concerns about minimizing your visits and making your visits as productive as possible. Ask your dentist about sedation for your procedures, too. Consider getting a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist if necessary.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.

 

Why Does My Root Canal Tooth Hurt After Weeks of Antibiotics?

My second molar root canal tooth still hurts, although my dentist completed the root canal in August of this year. My dentist prescribed antibiotics twice, but the tooth still hurts. The pain is severe when I chew. Should I ask her for more antibiotics, or is something else wrong? Thank you. Anita from Dover, DE

Anita,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question.

Although Dr. Michalski would need to examine your tooth and x-rays for an accurate diagnosis, we can explain what may be happening.

What Causes Continued Pain After Root Canal Therapy?

Causes of pain after root canal therapy may include these factors:

• Untreated root canals – Sometimes, a tooth has multiple or curved channels. The condition will persist if your dentist misses canals or cannot clear the infection from curved canals.
• Infection in another tooth – Pain from another infected tooth can refer to the root canal tooth.
• Irritation and inflammation – Clearing infection from a tooth can irritate it, leaving it inflamed and sensitive. It can take several weeks for the sensitivity to fade. A dentist may make a thin custom mouth guard to wear and night and relieve the pressure on the inflamed tooth. Otherwise, continued stress on the tooth can lead to jaw pain, earaches, headaches, and other TMJ symptoms.
• Irritation from crown preparation– Removing tooth structure to prepare the tooth for a dental crown can irritate it. The irritation should improve gradually.

Questions to Ask to Determine the Source of Discomfort

An accurate diagnosis includes asking you these questions:

• Is your discomfort better, worse, or the same after root canal therapy?
• Do you feel sensitivity to heat or cold in the tooth?
• Other than chewing, what triggers the pain?

Ask your dentist for an x-ray to ensure she cleaned the infection from all the canals. If canals are challenging to detect or reach, your dentist must refer you to an endodontist (root canal specialist) for further treatment. Specialists have tools designed to reach challenging canals.

 

Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, sponsors this post.

Can a Dentist Save My Tooth Without a Post and Core?

I expected my dentist to tell me I needed a root canal, but he also mentioned adding a post and core. I did not fully understand her explanation about why I needed the post and score. It seemed that she was repeating something she had read in a textbook. I am anxious about a root canal, but a post and core sound like a long appointment. When are a post and care necessary? Thank you. Noah from Detroit, MI

 

Noah,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Michalski would need to examine and x-ray your tooth for an accurate diagnosis, but we will explain the purpose of a post and core, when it is required, and how it affects the long-term outcome of a tooth.

What Are a Dental Post and Core?

A dental post and core are materials to strengthen a tooth weakened by decay, damage, and root canal treatment. The post is a small cylinder that supports a core. The core is a dental filling material that replaces the tooth pulp and supports a dental crown.

Why Would a Dentist Recommend a Post and Core?

A dentist may recommend a post and core so that your tooth can support a dental crown. Sometimes, preparing your tooth for a crown requires a dentist to remove a lot of decay or damage, leaving a small amount of tooth structure. The core, or dental filling material, will replace the tooth structure and allow a dentist to cement a crown on the tooth.

The process includes these steps:

• Complete root canal therapy to remove tooth decay and infection
• Place one or two posts into the tooth
• Fill the tooth with dental material
• Build up and shape the tooth with dental bonding
• Bond a dental crown to the tooth

Will You Lose Your Tooth Without a Post and Core?

Declining a post and core may result in tooth loss for these reasons:

• You may not have enough tooth structure to support a dental crown.
• Your tooth can become weak and brittle.
• Without a post and core, you may need an extraction and dental implant

Please keep in mind that if you lose the tooth, replacing it with a dental implant and crown can cost $3,000 to $5,000 depending on these factors:

• Condition of surrounding gums and bones
• Procedures you may need in preparation for an implant
• Dental fees in your location in the U.S.

If you are unsure about your dentist’s recommendation for a post and core, schedule a second opinion with an advanced cosmetic dentist trained in root canal therapy and dental implants.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologist, sponsors this post.

Root for Root Canal Therapy in Rocky Hill, CT

If you had a bad toothache, would you rather save the tooth or have the tooth pulled? The answer, of course, is practically obvious. Save the tooth! More often than not, saving a tooth may require a root canal, especially if the toothache is caused by an infection deep within the tooth. With root canal therapy, Dr. Thaddeus S. Michalski and his staff in Rocky Hill, CT, can save the tooth and your smile.

A root canal is dental procedure that removes infected pulp tissue from the innermost part of a tooth. Dental pulp is comprised of nerve and lymph tissue, as well as blood vessels. This pulp may become infected as a result of oral bacteria that migrates to the pulp through a deep cavity; a crack in the tooth that penetrates the pulp; or a powerful hit to the face. The resultant infection can cause significant pain and runs the risk of spreading beyond the tooth.

The signs and symptoms of diseased or infected tooth pulp may include:

• Moderate to severe tooth pain
• Swollen gums around the affected tooth
• A tooth that is discolored
• Visible signs of infection on an x-ray

Once Dr. Michalski confirms that a tooth is deeply infected, he will recommend root canal therapy. During a root canal, Dr. Michalski will clean out the bacteria and infection, as well as remove the nerve, lymph and blood tissue from inside the tooth and its roots. The tooth is filled with a material that prevents the infection from returning, and then the tooth is typically outfitted for a protective crown that ensures the tooth’s strength and functionality. Once the root canal is completed and the crown is in place, the tooth can last for a lifetime with proper brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups.

Call the Office of Dr. Michalski Today

If you are experiencing tooth pain, don’t delay for another moment. Call the office of Dr. Michalski in Rocky Hill, CT, where he and his staff will gently and professionally determine the cause of your pain and whether or not a root canal is the solution. Our office also serves patients in Hartford, Wethersfield, Cromwell, Newington and Berlin.