Why would a root of an extracted tooth show up in an x-ray? Could this be due to a past root canal? Should the root be removed?

Question

When exploring Implant options, a root of a past extracted tooth showed up on an x-ray. The tooth may have had a past root canal, prior to being pulled. At the time of the extraction, I remember the dentist having a hard time removing the tooth causing me to wonder if it really needed to be extracted. Thank you for your time!

Joel Klasfeld, DDS · Answer

Sometimes during the extraction of a root canal treated tooth a fragment of the tooth can be left in the socket.  Root canal treated teeth can be more brittle and this is commonly seen on xrays.  If the piece is in alignment with where the implant will be placed you should most likely have it removed.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Most likely the entire tooth was not extracted.  Normally root canaled teeth can break during extractions.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Emery Cole, DMD, FAGD · Answer

If the root has a lesion or is exposed to saliva then it should be removed. If it will be in the way of an implant, it should be remove. Most dentists would prefer to have a clean area near proposed implants so you will have to go by the examining dentists' recommendation as they have the radiograph.

H. Ryan Kazemi, DMD · Answer

Part of the tooth root was left in place during extraction. The need for its extraction prior to dental implant should be determined from a cone beam CT scan to localize it and see if it is in the path of the planned implant and if by leaving it, it will not compromise the position and healing of the implant itself. Otherwise it should be extracted.

Why would a root of an extracted tooth show up in an x-ray? Could this be due to a past root canal? Should the root be removed?

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