My crown tooth is loose, any options?

Question

35 years ago I had a root canal (tooth #12) fail after placement of a post and crown and had a subsequent apisectomy that was successful. 6 months ago, tooth #17 was filed to level high spots. This changed my bite, and tooth #12 shifted, loosening from the gum. There was quite a bit of bleeding at the time. My dentist said it's OK. I get a bad taste in my mouth suggesting to me that this is not a healthy situation. I'm getting a second opinion, but I'd like to have some idea of possible options. Thanks.

Paul D. Kantor, DDS · Answer

A second opinion from an endodontist or periodontist would be a good idea. There could be infection from a failing apicoectomy, bone loss from gum disease, a crack or some combination. I don't know if #12 can be retreated endodontically, or even if it needs it. Your dentist could be right. The worst case would be extraction and implant if there's enough bone or bone can be grafted. If not, a bridge would be the next best option.

Michael P. Negru, DDS, FAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

Considering the amount of dental work done on that tooth there is always the possibility that tooth #12 is failing. Without a dental x-ray and clinical exam is impossible to diagnose your problem. If there is a fracture in the tooth, most likely that the tooth cannot be saved and implant or bridge would be an option. I favor implants as they do preserve the bone structure unlike bridges, and lifespan of an well placed implant is a lot longer than that of the bridge.

My crown tooth is loose, any options?

Answers (2)