I've had 2 root canals and two crowns on the same tooth. 5 years later it was a little loose. I had a really bad smell from it no matter how much I flossed or brushed. New dentist showed xray of gap on both sides. Went to dentist who did crown originally and he reglued smelly crown back on. Came loose again within a week. Went back and he broke the post while removing it. Said I need dental implant or crown and new post. Whats my best option and does this sound like mishandling by the dentist?
Answer: Fractured front tooth Hi Nate, I can feel your frustration especially after two root canals and two crowns on the same tooth, not to mention the post(s). I'm also certain that your dentist is also upset especially if he is younger. I've been around quite a while and have seen this exact scenario many times. Here is what has happened: Once your original root canal was done, the tooth lost its nutrient supply as part of the procedure. In time the tooth became increasingly brittle. A metal post was placed to reinforce the tooth. Recently the tooth fractured horizontally at the level of the bone but the crown did not fall out because the post held it in place. Germs migrated into the crack and fermented sugars in your diet creating that foul smell/taste. When your dentist removed the crown, the all ready fractured tooth with the post came with it. Happens quite often on teeth which have had root canals. You now have many choices, but only one really good one and that is to remove the fractured root and place a new crown supported by an implant. This solution will be very predictable and should last the rest of your life. Any attempt to salvage that piece of root and build another post and crown, will eventually fail as did the others. Do the extraction and implant, and then move on with your life. Sorry that I don't have better news, but don't blame your dentist. He didn't break the tooth.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Fractured front tooth Hi Nate, I can feel your frustration especially after two root canals and two crowns on the same tooth, not to mention the post(s). I'm also certain that your dentist is also upset especially if he is younger. I've been around quite a while and have seen this exact scenario many times. Here is what has happened: Once your original root canal was done, the tooth lost its nutrient supply as part of the procedure. In time the tooth became increasingly brittle. A metal post was placed to reinforce the tooth. Recently the tooth fractured horizontally at the level of the bone but the crown did not fall out because the post held it in place. Germs migrated into the crack and fermented sugars in your diet creating that foul smell/taste. When your dentist removed the crown, the all ready fractured tooth with the post came with it. Happens quite often on teeth which have had root canals. You now have many choices, but only one really good one and that is to remove the fractured root and place a new crown supported by an implant. This solution will be very predictable and should last the rest of your life. Any attempt to salvage that piece of root and build another post and crown, will eventually fail as did the others. Do the extraction and implant, and then move on with your life. Sorry that I don't have better news, but don't blame your dentist. He didn't break the tooth.
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December 6, 2018
Answer: Crown and broken post From the images you have submitted it certainly looks as if the original ‘post ‘ was more like a very short core. I suspect that a new post can be done and then a new crown. Only if the dentist is unable to access the canal to pace a new post, would I then suggest an extraction and an implant.
Helpful
December 6, 2018
Answer: Crown and broken post From the images you have submitted it certainly looks as if the original ‘post ‘ was more like a very short core. I suspect that a new post can be done and then a new crown. Only if the dentist is unable to access the canal to pace a new post, would I then suggest an extraction and an implant.
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