Broken Root Canal File? (photo)

Question

Had root canal done last year, then crown put on a couple of months later. I have had continual pain in that tooth, and chronic sinus infections. Went to a different dentist who stated root canal (file?) was broken and tooth needs removed. Could either have bridge or implant, however, she stated my sinus cavity is low and an implant would require some reconstruction? I am so confused and unsure what to do next. I am on 20 days worth of antibiotics, but dentist wants to remove the tooth asap.

Paul D. Kantor, DDS · Answer

I would suggest a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and possibly a cone beam CT. This can help determine exactly where the root and sinus are in relation to each other. Doing this first can give you an idea of what your options really are regarding an implant.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS · Answer

It appears that you have a failing root canal with a sinus infection causing continual pain.  This tooth is hopeless and needs to be extracted because it is fractured.  I was able to magnify the radiograph and did not see a severed root canal file but did detect a fractured root.  For the final restoration I would highly recommend a single implant supported crown. Both adjacent teeth do not appear to have a restoration and it would be a shame to prepare them for a 3 unit bridge when only 1 tooth is affected.  Since the sinus cavity is low, an option would be a Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation instead of an extensive sinus augmentation.  It is not the end of the world but I highly recommend you see an oral surgeon for the surgical procedure as it is rather simple for a surgeon that does these procedures routinely.

Andrew E. Rudnick, DMD · Answer

It is very difficult to remove a broken file, especially in this location. Many  people in this situation choose to have the tooth extracted and an implant placed based on a cost/benefit analysis. The retreatment success rate with a chronic infection is very low. Based on your x-ray, it should not be a problem placing an implant in that area. Andrew Rudnick, DMD, FICOI

Kevin Coughlin, DMD · Answer

Its is very difficult to remove file and it happens more than you would think... one option is to attempt to remove the file the other is remove the tooth and as suggested fixed bridge removal bridge or implant with the low sinus you could consider short fat implants from Bicon they maybe able to avoid the sinus good luck

	 

	Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD    CEO Baystate Dental PC

Broken Root Canal File? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: File broke inside tooth?

Answer: File broke inside tooth?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tooth Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Broken Root Canal File? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: File broke inside tooth?

Answer: File broke inside tooth?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tooth Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.