Do I need implant? Is the tooth infected again, after 3 apicoectomy? Because I feel something weird there. (photo)

Question

I've had 3 apicoectomy on the tooth#7. The 1st apico due to an infection and a cyst at the tip after years of root canal. The endodontist cleaned the area without treating the "hole" where the cyst was. 7 yrs later, 2nd apico was done due to reinfection. Another 7 ys and it failed again. This time an oral surgeon did bone graft (cow?). More tip was cut off at infected area. Now, 8 years later, it feels a little funny again. Is implant my only option? I am worried because it's a front tooth.

Anthony Mobasser, DDS, DMD · Answer

You should save your front tooth at all cost, if possible! especially if you are happy with the smile cosmetics! Implants can have their own problems, and depending on your lip line, and the surgical intervention, the cosmetics can get compromised! 
If it was my front tooth I would see an expert dentist to guide you what to do.
Best of luck!

Mounir Iskandar, DDS, MSD · Answer

Usually after the first root canal failure the re-treatments do not have the same success rate as the first treatment. Having three trials to treat the tooth and still failing that make the success rate next time even less and more bone loss that might complicate the Implant placement. Better replace with dental implant with an expert  specialist who has experience in treating this cases in the aesthetic zone of the mouth. Most of the time if done right the outcomes are amazing. Best of luck

Nirav Patel, MDS, PhD · Answer

my first question is were you having periapical granuloma or periapical cyst? if it was a cyst, then was it properly enucleated. if not properly enucleated, then it might have chances of recurrence. if it was filled with bone graft with cyst improperly enucleated, then there are more chances of reinfection. now its my advice to do one CBCT for proper diagnosis. my advice is get a re-root canal treatment done with proper orthograde filling and then followed by apicoectomy. if you are telling that you have some funny sensation, then is it tingling sensation, as it is one of the symptom of having cyst. if you are thinking to get implant placed and if by chance implant also fails, then implant was the last option you had. after that you will only have two options remaining, partial denture or fixed bridge. so my advice is to save your tooth.

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

I suggest that you stop wasting money on this failing tooth and have an implant placed. Implants are very predictable and can have beautiful results.

Gary Braunstein, DDS · Answer

You say the tooth feels funny again.  You should have it checked by an endodontist or oral surgeon.  If they recommend additional treatment on this tooth, ask what the chance of success will be.  I would seriously consider replacing with an implant instead of    putting  more money into trying to save this tooth.  If proper protocols are followed(a bone graft may be required), the implant should last you the rest of your life and you should not have to worry about it again.  If placed properly, it should match your other front teeth perfectly.

Do I need implant? Is the tooth infected again, after 3 apicoectomy? Because I feel something weird there. (photo)

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Do I need implant? Is the tooth infected again, after 3 apicoectomy? Because I feel something weird there. (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Implant

Answer: Implant

Answer: Do I need implant?

Answer: Do I need implant?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

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